Register 23 Seats Remaining
Join The Library to watch Skating the World's Oldest Skatepark by the Dern Brothers followed by 30-minute conversation led by Martin Ramos, owner of Kona Skatepark.
Program Description: Skating the World's Oldest Skatepark! Ft. Bam Margera, Jamie Foy, Zion Wright, and More (27 min.)
Kona Skatepark was built in Jacksonville in 1977. Skaters from across the nation made the trek to the sprawling concrete mecca and helped shape skateboarding history. Since 1977 Kona Skatepark has been one of the most iconic skateboarding parks in the world, and you can experience it in Arlington. Kona has survived three economic recessions and all the ups and downs of the action sports industry. That has made it the “longest surviving privately owned skatepark” in the world via Guinness Book of World Records. Kona has been home to a lot of “firsts” and groundbreaking moments like the invention of the modern “vert” ramp, which has probably impacted skateboarding the most.
In 1979, the Ramos family with the support of the community reopened the park out of bankruptcy and they dedicated it to “The Youth of Jacksonville.” The skatepark features concrete hills and a “snake run,” where guests can take a seemingly infinite number of paths. It’s even been incorporated into Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 game. From the thriving skateboard community, spirit and culture, more than 20 professional skateboarders have come out of Jacksonville in the past 40 years.
About the film: The Dern Brothers: Destin, Dalton and Kanaan Dern give a history lesson on the world's oldest skatepark in this short documentary produced in 2025. Dalton Dern and Kanaan Dern are professional skateboarders and Destin Dern is a filmmaker.
Registration is required for this event, and must be completed two hours prior to the start time. A library card and PIN are required for registration. If you do not have a card, click HERE to obtain one.
All registered seats will be forfeited at BLANK and made available to waitlisted and walk-in attendees. Registered attendees arriving after this time will be seated if seats are available.
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request. Please allow 1–2 business days to process. Last-minute requests will be accepted, but may not be possible to fulfill. Please ask for Learning Services at 255-2665 or email JPLPrograms@coj.net.
AGE GROUP: | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Music, Movies, and Dance |
TAGS: | local history | Florida history | Art Walk | adult programs |
| Mon, Mar 16 | 9:00AM to 6:00PM |
| Tue, Mar 17 | 9:00AM to 6:00PM |
| Wed, Mar 18 | 9:00AM to 6:00PM |
| Thu, Mar 19 | 9:00AM to 6:00PM |
| Fri, Mar 20 | 9:00AM to 6:00PM |
| Sat, Mar 21 | 9:00AM to 6:00PM |
| Sun, Mar 22 | Closed |
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