Cebu City skatepark plan revives hope for extreme sports community
CEBU CITY — A new proposal at the Cebu City Council could give skateboarders, BMX riders, and other extreme sports enthusiasts a temporary home at the former Sinulog Grand Parade grounds in the South Road Properties (SRP). The measure, set for discussion on Tuesday, July 14, aims to address the city's lack of a safe, dedicated public facility for these athletes.
Councilor Pastor Jun Alcover Jr. authored the resolution, which asks Mayor Nestor Archival to allow temporary use of the government-owned site for skateboarding, BMX, scootering, inline skating, and other recognized extreme sports. If approved, the area would serve as a training and competition venue until a permanent facility is built.
Why a temporary skatepark matters now
The proposal highlights a growing problem: Cebu City has no adequate public skatepark to meet rising demand. Many enthusiasts currently practice on sidewalks, streets, parking lots, and plazas — spaces not designed for such activities. This creates safety risks for both participants and pedestrians.
Alcover's office consulted skateboarders, extreme sports practitioners, youth leaders, and other stakeholders. They all voiced the need for a safe, accessible venue where athletes can train, hold competitions, and develop talent that could represent Cebu City and the Philippines internationally.
Margielyn Didal leads the call for action
The resolution also notes that internationally acclaimed Cebuana skateboarder Margielyn Didal, along with fellow athletes and youth organizations, recently held a peaceful parade and public appeal urging the city government to act. Their campaign has gained traction, with many in the community backing the call for a dedicated space.
Didal, who won gold at the 2018 Asian Games, has long been an advocate for skateboarding development in Cebu. Her involvement adds weight to the proposal, which aims to support youth sports and nurture future champions.
How the SRP site fits the plan
The former Sinulog Grand Parade grounds offer a spacious, government-owned area that can be temporarily used without interfering with future infrastructure projects. The proposal emphasizes that appropriate safety standards, operational guidelines, and management policies will be put in place.
If adopted, the city government will coordinate with the extreme sports community, sports organizations, and youth groups to plan, manage, and maintain the facility. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the City Administrator, Cebu City Sports Commission, Department of Engineering and Public Works, and other relevant offices.
What happens next
The proposal still needs approval from the Cebu City Council before it can be formally transmitted to the mayor's office. If it passes, the temporary skatepark could open soon, offering a safe haven for athletes who have long waited for a proper place to practice.
For now, the extreme sports community watches closely. This is more than a skatepark — it is a step toward recognizing their sport and investing in the youth who dream of representing the country on the world stage.
Photo: CDN Digital