🛹 A Grand Opening — Years in the Making
On July 25th, 2025, Pocatello celebrated the official opening of the Optimist Skatepark — the culmination of over a decade of tireless advocacy, vision, and community collaboration.
For many, it was a celebration.
For me, it was something more: a deeply personal milestone. This project has been at the heart of my work for over ten years — as a skateboarder, a community advocate, and the founder of Deckadence Board Shoppe, Pocatello’s home for skateboard and snowboard culture.
Behind the Scenes: How the Park Came to Be
When I first started pushing for a new skatepark, I had no real roadmap — just a deep love for skateboarding and a belief that this community deserved better. So I looked for ways to get involved in local government. That led me to apply for a volunteer seat on the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, where I hoped to channel my energy into real advocacy for the skaters of Pocatello.
Over the years, and through two different Parks & Rec superintendents, I watched as other community projects moved forward while ours stayed stalled. I met with Mayor Blad repeatedly, explaining what a modern skatepark would mean for youth, families, and the future of this city. And still — nothing.
I sat through year after year of meetings, watching other groups advocate for their passions and see their visions come to life. Story walks, disc golf courses — even more disc golf courses — all found their way into City Parks, often with those communities fundraising to make it happen.
But a concrete skatepark is cost-prohibitive in a way most park amenities aren’t. It typically requires major grants or municipal investment. Yet, the skate community was repeatedly asked to raise the money ourselves.
Funding and Strategic Leadership
The real turning point came when the City allocated $500,000 to pickleball courts — without youth input or a broader discussion of equity. I spoke up: if there was $500K for pickleball, there needed to be $500K for a new skatepark. Councilmember Brent Nichols (no relation to the Chevy Nichols family) then identified unused money from a separate project that could be applied to the skatepark, fast-tracking the city’s support.
Shortly afterward, federal AARPA funds — originally allocated for another purpose but required to be spent by the end of 2025 — provided the bulk of the remaining funding. Combined with generous community donations in memory of Chevy Nichols and additional funds raised through a local nonprofit I helped promote, we finally had the resources to make the skatepark a reality. We are also deeply grateful to Anne Butler, Parks Director, for her guidance and support throughout this process.
Supporting this effort, a local nonprofit formed in 2014 following discussions I initiated provided a formal mechanism to channel community energy into fundraising. Years prior, I had been hosting skate events, donating prizes, and MCing contests — building community engagement while keeping the focus on the long-term goal of a new skatepark. When a formal nonprofit became necessary to secure donations and grants, I asked Mr. Van Etten to take on the public role, ensuring a clear separation from my business. He has since managed and operated the organization, while these events continued to serve as community-building and fundraising opportunities aligned with the park’s mission.
Breaking Ground
With funding, community support, and organizational structure in place, the pieces finally came together. After years of advocacy, planning, and persistence — we broke ground.
“D’Beau” Darin Black, City Leaders, community volunteers and the Chevy Nichols family Brandon and Stacey breaking ground at Optimist Skatepark in Pocatello, March 21st, 2025.
“D’Beau” Darin Black using a skateboard deck to ceremonially break ground at Optimist Skatepark, Pocatello, March 21st, 2025.
“D’Beau” Darin Black and Mr. Van Etten holding shovels at the groundbreaking for the Optimist Skatepark in Pocatello.
Ribbon Cutting & Reflections
On July 25th, the moment became reality. Watching the community gather — families, friends, longtime skaters, and newcomers alike — I felt the culmination of years of work. It was a proud, humbling moment to be part of a project that will serve generations of skaters in Pocatello.
The crowd was brimming with excitement; many faces I recognized, and so many more inspired by the endless possibilities a new skatepark creates. I knew it was real the moment I made my first drop-in to the bowl — stoked to be the first of many who will enjoy this space.
Below are highlights from the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including videos and photos that capture this milestone moment for the skate community
Celebrating a milestone: “D’Beau” Darin Black, Councilmember Brent Nichols, parents of Chevy Nichols and community members at the Optimist Skatepark opening.
Ribbon Cutting Coverage
KPVI News
Local News 8
My Ribbon-Cutting Speech
Full text of “D’Beau” Darin Black’s speech at the Optimist Skatepark ribbon-cutting ceremony, Pocatello, July 25, 2025.
Full text of page 2 of “D’Beau” Darin Black’s speech at the Optimist Skatepark ribbon-cutting ceremony, Pocatello, July 25, 2025.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy for the Community
Seeing the Optimist Skatepark come to life is a deeply meaningful milestone, not just for me but for the entire Pocatello skate community. This project represents years of dedication, advocacy, and collaboration — from countless community events and volunteer efforts to city leadership, council support, and nonprofit fundraising. I’m proud to have played a role in nurturing these partnerships and helping keep the vision alive, and I’m equally grateful to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and resources. Together, we’ve created a lasting space that will inspire and serve future generations of skaters, strengthen our community, and celebrate the joy and creativity of skateboarding in Pocatello.
Seeing this park come to life has been an honor and a privilege. It will leave a lasting legacy for Pocatello’s youth, a space for creativity, athleticism, and community — and a reminder that tenacity, foresight, and collaboration can turn vision into reality. -DB