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
Skate Shop Day 2025 – Keep Skateboarding in the Right Hands
Skateboarding is more than just a sport. It’s a culture, a community, and a way of life. At the heart of that culture are local, independent skate shops like ours, Deckadence Board Shoppe. Each year, Skate Shop Day reminds us why these shops matter. They keep skateboarding in the hands of the people who live and breathe it—people who actually skate, who know what it means to step on a board for the first time, to battle a trick for hours, or to finally land something that once seemed impossible.
What Is Skate Shop Day?
Skate Shop Day (Saturday, February 15, 2025) is all about showing love to your local skate shop. It’s not just about buying a new deck or a fresh pair of shoes—it’s about supporting the places that keep skateboarding authentic. These are the spots that host events, hook up kids with their first complete, and help create a real community.
At Deckadence, we’re here for the long run—creating a space where skaters of all abilities can learn, progress, and be part of something bigger. As someone who’s been skating and snowboarding since I was a kid, I’ve had a front-row seat to the evolution of skateboarding. I’ve ridden all types of boards, seen styles come and go, and watched the culture shift. But one thing that should never change is this:
Skateboarding belongs in the hands of skateboarders who understand it and want to see it grow.
How We Celebrate Skate Shop Day
Last year’s Skate Shop Day at Deckadence was unforgettable. We threw a skate jam in our indoor skate room, set up a peanut butter & jam bar, played classic skate videos, and gave away door prizes—all while connecting with the skaters who make this scene what it is. It wasn’t just about selling products; it was about celebrating skateboarding together.
This year, we’re keeping that energy alive with exclusive product drops, giveaways, and a chance to connect with fellow skaters.
Why Shopping Local Matters
Buying from a local shop like Deckadence keeps your money in the local skate scene, helping us host events, sponsor riders, and support the next generation of skaters. Big-box stores and online retailers don’t invest in your community—but we do. When you shop local, you’re not just getting gear; you’re keeping skateboarding in the right hands.
Exclusive Skate Shop Day 2025 Drop: Limited-Edition Products
This year’s Skate Shop Day at Deckadence brings you some truly one-of-a-kind releases:
Gonz and Natas decks – Paying tribute to the legends who helped shape modern skateboarding. Whether you’re a collector or a rider, these boards are a must-have.
Ed Templeton Colorway – Emerica Wino Slip-On – A Skate Shop Day exclusive, only available at core skate shops like ours.
These limited-edition drops will go live on our website at midnight on Saturday, February 15th. To secure your gear:
Buy online and choose local pick-up for a free, easy way to reserve your items ahead of time.
Drop by Deckadence throughout the day to grab your gear in person, meet other skaters, and celebrate together.
Ed Templeton: A Skateboarding Legend & His Exclusive Shoe
Few skaters have influenced skateboarding as much as Ed Templeton. A true DIY legend, Templeton built Toy Machineinto a brand that stands for creativity, independence, and raw skateboarding. He’s a pro skater, artist, and photographer, and his impact on skateboarding goes far beyond just tricks—he helped define skate culture itself.
For Skate Shop Day 2025, Emerica has released an exclusive Wino Slip-On in Templeton’s signature colorway, paying tribute to his legacy.
As Ed Templeton puts it:
“Skate shops are the backbone of the skate community. It’s the meet-up spot with your friends before you hit the streets. It’s the place that stays open late for you to grab a new board. They organize community events, host video premieres, and probably helped get the skatepark in your town built.”
This shoe is only available at core skate shops like Deckadence—a true thank-you to the shops that keep skateboarding alive.
The Impact of Skateboarding Legends: Gonz & Natas
Skate Shop Day is also about honoring the skaters who paved the way—legends like Mark Gonzales and Natas Kaupas, who changed the way we think about skateboarding.
Mark Gonzales (“The Gonz”) brought creativity and style to street skating in the ‘80s. He wasn’t just about tricks—he changed how people saw skateboarding as an art form.
Natas Kaupas took technical street skating to another level, pushing the limits of what was possible on a skateboard.
Their impact is still felt today, and their Skate Shop Day decks are a chance to own a piece of that legacy.
Marc “Gonz” Gonzales with the Skate Shop Day Love/ Hate Krooked Beamers
Natas Kaupas with artist Todd Francis and the Exclusive Real Skateboards Natas Guest Pro Model
Join Us for Skate Shop Day 2025!
We’re celebrating Skate Shop Day 2025 at Deckadence Board Shoppe on Saturday, February 15th—and you don’t want to miss it!
🎯 Exclusive drops – Gonz & Natas decks, Ed Templeton colorway Emerica Wino Slip-Ons, and more.
🎟️ Door prizes – Because who doesn’t love free gear?
👥 Skater meet-up – Hang out, share stories, and celebrate what makes this scene special.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to support the community that’s been supporting you.
👉 The exclusive drop goes live online at midnight on Saturday, February 15th. Secure your gear before it sells out!
🌟 Choose local pick-up to reserve your boards and shoes ahead of time, then drop by the shop to hang out and join in the celebration.
Join the Celebration & Share the Love!
Help us make Skate Shop Day 2025 one to remember!
📲 Share this event with your friends and tag #RideWithDeckadence to show off your new gear.
❤️ Support your local shop—because core skateboarding starts with core skate shops.
We can’t wait to see you at Deckadence—let’s celebrate skateboarding together!
Deckadence Board Shoppe is celebrating 5 years in Old Town Pocatello. As a thank you for all of the communities support stop in and enjoy FREE grip tape with any skateboard deck purchase. Also, take advantage of special pricing on complete skateboards & longboards with up to $50 OFF snowboards. Plus, shop our clothing, hats, shoes and accessories for savings of up to 25-50% OFF!
Deckadence is your local source for the Pro Freestyle Scooter trend and we stock only the best. We can beat any price advertised on the web on most major trick scooter brands. Be sure to order now for delivery in time for Christmas. Call us for the best pricing. Thanks again for 5 awesome years. Enjoy these special savings through the end of the year!
Deckadence skate camp was a huge success this year. Lots of “grommets” showed up nervous as heck. But, they all left happy and way stoked their new skills and insights into skateboarding. We look forward to watching all of the “groms” grow up to be big time shredders. Look for another skate camp next season from Pocatello’s local skate shop Deckadence Board Shoppe. To all who came out, thank you for the opportunity to share skateboarding with you! -DB
