Skate park to break ground in December

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City’s P12-million skate park project is set to break ground along A. Pigafetta Street at the back of Fort San Pedro next month.

Councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr., chairperson of the City Council committee on games, amusement, and sports, said they have already finalized the design of the facility.

“Humana na ang design final na ang design unya mag-ground breaking nata. Schedule nato sayo unta apan wala man si Minnie (sister of Mayor Tomas Osmeña). So maybe first week or second week of December,” he said.

The design includes a rink with street course, flat course for beginners, half pipe, bowl, pump track, and mini grand stand. The mayor’s sister, Maria Victoria, earlier donated P 5 million for the construction of the park.

The project was originally proposed at the South Road Properties (SRP) but the city government decided to utilize the 4,000-square meter property it owned at the back of Fort San Pedro. The area is more suitable for skateboard enthusiasts than the SRP.

“Kay sige man follow-up ang mga batan-on. Mga 200, 000 skateboarders ang magsige og follow- up, makaluluoy man sila kay naa man tay ordinance nga gi-ban sila sa sidewalks,” Gabuya said.

Gabuya said the P5 million donated by Minnie will be used for the phase 1 of the project. He said the remaining P7 million will either be funded by the city government or by another private donor.

“Well ang atong siyudad mo-shoulder, wala sad nato giwagtang ang possibility nga daghan pa ang mo-donate kay gi-open mana nato. When we first introduce daghan man ang gusto,” Gabuya said.

He said the construction will immediately commence after the ground breaking. It is expected to last for three months.

While the skate park is under construction, skateboarders may continue to temporarily use the Cebu City Sports Institute (CCSI) in Barangay Pasil. The facility was opened to skateboarding enthusiasts since October 17.

The city government decided to provide a training venue for skateboarders after Margielyn Didal’s feat in the Asian games. Didal was thankful for the city government’s initiative. — FPL (FREEMAN)