Skateboarders, BMX riders, scooter riders, and other extreme sports enthusiasts may soon have a dedicated training area as the Cebu City Council proposed converting a portion of the former Sinulog Grand Parade grounds at the South Road Properties (SRP) into a temporary public skatepark.
The City Council approved a resolution urging Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. to allow the use of a suitable portion of the government-owned SRP property as a venue for skateboarding, BMX, scootering, inline skating, and other recognized extreme sports.
The resolution, authored by Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr., was approved during the council’s regular session on Tuesday, July 14.
If approved by the mayor, the proposed temporary skatepark will serve as a training and recreational area while the city works toward establishing a permanent facility for extreme sports.
Alcover said the proposal is supported by the Local Government Code of 1991, which allows local government units to provide recreational facilities and sports programs that promote public welfare, health, and youth development.
The councilor said Cebu City’s extreme sports community has continued to grow, but the city still lacks a public skatepark that can accommodate the increasing number of participants.
Due to the absence of a dedicated facility, many skateboarders and riders have been practicing in sidewalks, roads, parking areas, plazas, and other public spaces not designed for such activities, posing risks to both athletes and pedestrians.
“The temporary designation of the said area as a public skatepark will provide a safe venue for athletes and enthusiasts, encourage constructive youth engagement, promote sports tourism, reduce unsafe street skating, and demonstrate the City’s commitment to supporting sports development and nurturing future champions,” the resolution stated.
The proposal also cited the recent appeal of Cebuana Olympic skateboarder Margielyn Didal, who, along with fellow athletes, youth groups, and members of the extreme sports community, held a peaceful parade calling for the establishment of a dedicated public skatepark in the city.
Alcover also conducted consultations with skateboarders, BMX riders, youth leaders, and other stakeholders, who expressed support for having a safe and accessible venue where athletes can train, organize competitions, and develop talents who may represent Cebu City and the Philippines in national and international events.
The former Sinulog Grand Parade grounds at the SRP were identified as a possible temporary location because of its size and government ownership.
The resolution said the area may be used without affecting future development plans, provided that safety standards, operational guidelines, and management policies are established.
The resolution also encouraged the city government to coordinate with representatives from the skateboarding and extreme sports community, sports organizations, youth groups, and other stakeholders in managing and maintaining the proposed temporary facility.
If approved, the temporary skatepark will serve as an interim venue while Cebu City pursues the creation of a permanent extreme sports complex.
Photo courtesy of The Manila Times
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