Pelican Skatepark Grand Opening: A New Home for All Wheels in Mandeville
On Saturday May 2nd, we pulled up to the grand opening of Pelican Skatepark in Mandeville… and I’m still feeling that energy.
I just want to start by saying thank you — to everyone who had a hand in bringing that vision to life. The City of Mandeville, the recreation team, every single person behind the scenes… y’all created something amazing out there. Not just a skatepark, but a space where people can come together, connect, and just live in the moment.
From my side, representing TNT 360 Mobility and being part of the WCMX and adaptive skate community, it was something special to witness. You could feel it the second we got there. All wheels, all people, all abilities — no barriers, just movement.
We were lucky to be invited out by our people from Ability Skateboarding and Action Sports, and they brought that fire with them. That energy, that creativity, that “let’s figure it out” mindset — that’s what makes this community what it is.
And then… there was one of those moments.
One of our adaptive athletes got back on a board for the first time in almost a decade. After his accident, after everything he’s been through — now using a power chair — the crew stepped in, helped hm get setup, got him into the harness in an all-ability skate frame, and just like that… he was rolling again.
Even if it was just for a moment — feeling the wind, moving through the park — he was back.
That’s the kind of stuff I’ve been calling magic for years. Because there’s really no other way to describe it. It’s what happens when people stop focusing on limitations and start building possibilities.
It reminded me of something I believe deep — some of the best things in life sit right on the other side of fear. On the other side of being uncomfortable. And when you’ve got a community that’s willing to adapt, support, and push forward together… there’s no ceiling.
What happened in Mandeville wasn’t just a grand opening.
It was a statement to all inclusiveness.
And I’m grateful we got to be part of it.
