Right in the middle of Railroad Square Art Park, there is a special place where kids, teens, and adults come to relax, have fun, and forget about stress for a little while.
It’s called Team Pain Skatepark, and many people say it has become a bright spot for the whole community.
Every day, boys and girls roll in with their skateboards, longboards, scooters, and helmets. Some come to learn new tricks. Some come to ride fast. Others come just to feel the wind on their face and enjoy a break from school, homework, and the problems happening in the world around them.
One skater, Will Searl, says the park helps him feel calm and happy.
“Yes, I feel great about this skate park,” Searl said.
He first came with an old skateboard his grandfather gave him. When that board broke, he bought a new one from Phase One Skate Shop, which sits just a short walk away. Searl now rides a longboard because it fits his height and weight. He likes going fast, riding the bowls and following the “snake run”, a curvy path that feels like a rollercoaster.
For Searl, skating is more than just a sport.
“Physically, it’s balance,” he said. “Spiritually, it puts me in a mindset of truth.”
Being outside helps him feel peaceful and connected to his faith. He practices drop‑ins and small tricks, even though he doesn’t enter competitions. He says a good skateboard usually costs $200–$300, but it’s worth it if you want to ride safely.
Another skater, Kyle Prim, grew up in Tallahassee and recently got back into skateboarding. He says the park is perfect for beginners.
“The layout here is super beginner‑friendly,” Prim said. “There’s plenty for me to get into while I’m learning new tricks.”
He also likes that the park is clean, well‑kept, and surrounded by people walking and enjoying the art park. Prim says he feels safe skating here because there are always people around and emergency stations nearby.
“If I took a nasty fall, someone would see me,” Prim said.
He hopes to enter a skate competition one day, especially since his friend now helps run Phase One Skate Shop and wants to bring more events to the community.
Phase One Skate Shop has been part of Tallahassee’s skate history since 1992.
New co‑owner Taylor Parssattii says the shop has always been a place for skaters to meet up, hang out, and then head out to ride.
“It raised the local skate scene,” Parssattii said. “If it wasn’t for Phase One, the scene wouldn’t be what it is today.”
Parssattii grew up skating at the old parks, entering local competitions, and placing in the top three several times. Now he and his friends are keeping the shop alive after the original owner, Orlando Vasco, retired.
Parssattii says many famous skateboarders have visited over the years, including pros like Jamie Foy, Matt Mumford, and others traveling with major skate teams. He believes the shop and the new skatepark together help keep Tallahassee’s skate culture strong.
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