News Release: 4/23/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2026
Contact:
Suzanne Fisher, CPRP
Executive Director
Recreation District No. 1 of St. Tammany Parish / Pelican Park
985-626-7997
suzannefisher@pelicanpark.com


Pelican Park Announces Grand Opening of New Skatepark on May 2, 2026
Mandeville, LA – Recreation District No. 1 of St. Tammany Parish (Pelican Park) will officially unveil its highly anticipated new Skatepark with a Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM at 63350 Pelican Drive in Mandeville.
This premier addition to Pelican Park advances the District’s mission to provide innovative and inclusive recreational opportunities for residents and visitors across the Northshore.
The event will feature live skate demonstrations, interactive experiences, music, food trucks, giveaways, and community engagement, creating a high-energy celebration for all ages and skill levels.

Event Highlights
Live Skate Demonstrations
Featuring elite athletes including:
  • Andrew Garcia (Ability Skateboarding & Action Sports)
  • Tony Torres (TNT 360 Mobility)
Demonstrations will highlight both traditional and adaptive skateboarding, emphasizing accessibility and inclusion.
Local skate culture will also be showcased with skaters from Humidity Skate Shop (New Orleans) performing demonstrations and engaging with attendees.
All-Abilities Skate Jam
An open skate session featuring mini contests and prizes for participants.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Featuring remarks from Pelican Park leadership, elected officials, project partners, and builders.
Food, Music, and Vendors
  • Food Trucks: Tacos Y Birria and Lady James Snowballs
  • Live DJ entertainment throughout the event
  • Vendor activations and giveaways

Schedule of Events
  • 10:00 AM – Free WCMX and Adaptive Skate Clinic and Demo for all abilities provided by Ability Skateboarding & Action Sports and TNT360 Mobility
  • 2:00 PM – Music, vendors, and food trucks open
  • 2:30 PM – Welcome Remarks & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
  • 3:00 PM – Professional Skate Demonstrations
  • 4:30 PM – Community Skate Jam & Mini Contests with Prize Drawings
  • 6:00 PM – Free Skate
  • 7:00 PM – Event Conclusion

A Community Investment
The Pelican Park Skatepark represents a significant investment in youth engagement, wellness, and modern recreational infrastructure. Designed and constructed by industry leaders, the facility positions Pelican Park as a regional destination for skateboarding and action sports.
Project Partners:
  • New Line Skateparks (Design)
  • Grindline Skateparks, Inc. (Construction)
  • Sieverding Construction, Inc. (Construction)
  • We Construction (Specialty Ramp Construction)
  • Dependable Land Management, LLC

Inclusive and Impactful
At its core, the facility is an “all wheels” park designed to break down barriers and welcome users of all ages and abilities. From skateboards to wheelchairs and scooters, the park supports a wide range of non-electric wheeled recreation. Programming and demonstrations highlight adaptive skateboarding and reinforce a commitment to true community inclusion.

Media Invitation
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event. Visual opportunities will include:
  • Live skate demonstrations and aerial action
  • Ribbon cutting ceremony
  • Large crowd engagement and community participation
  • Interviews with athletes, leadership, and partners
On-site interviews will be available upon request.

About Pelican Park
Recreation District No. 1 (Pelican Park) serves the greater Mandeville and Northshore community through exceptional facilities, diverse programming, and inclusive spaces that promote wellness, connection, and lifelong enjoyment. The Park welcomes over 3.2 million visitors annually and supports a wide range of athletic and non-athletic recreation, including youth and adult leagues, tournaments, special events, concerts, environmental education, and wellness-focused programming. With a mission centered on making a meaningful difference in the lives of children, adults, and families, Pelican Park continues to evolve as a premier regional destination for recreation.