Skate parks allow skateboarding enthusiasts to hone their skills and connect with one another.
Does the name Margielyn Didal ring a bell?
She is a young professional skateboarder who represented the Philippines in several Olympic tournaments, impressing viewers with her skills and impeccable personality.
Margielyn was born and raised in Cebu City. She trained at a small skate park called Concave, one of the only skate parks in the city that is now unfortunately closed down.
But this didn’t stop Margie and the city’s burgeoning skate community from finding different places to hone their skills, whether it’s at nature parks, peaceful neighborhoods, or busy streets.
Fortunately, Margielyn’s worldwide success has breathed new life into the sport, gaining a lot more interest from Cebuanos. Local government units have noticed this too, establishing projects to support the young enthusiasts.
Today, the Cebuano skate community has its fair share of places to hang out and vibe, with many outdoor skate parks opening around the island.
These spots are perfect for all levels of skaters, with various obstacles where you can get creative with your skateboarding tricks.
Not only are they fun hangout spots, but they can also serve as a training ground for the next Margielyn Didal.
SKATE PARKS IN CEBU TO CHECK OUT
- Talisay City Hall Skate Park
Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas noticed the popularity of skateboarding in the city, where dozens of skateboarders glide along the streets and perform kickflips and other impressive skateboarding tricks.
To provide a safe environment for them, the local government opened its very own skate park.
It is one of the biggest in the city, designed by world-renowned architect Kenneth Cobonpue, with consultation from Daniel Bautista, Margielyn’s coach during the Summer Olympics.
The park has several obstacles like pools for vertical skating and a section that is meant to recreate the feel of street skating.
Motic Panugalinog, a Cebuano skating professional, said in an interview with The Freeman that its flow is natural, making it safe for skateboarders.
The skate park also doubles as a family park, with several food stalls and a playground. It is located near the Talisay City Hall along Cebu South Coastal Road, and entrance is free for all.
- Danao Skate Park
A year before the Talisay Skate Park opened, Danao City opened its own state-of-the-art park, claiming that it “meets international standards”.
The city reportedly spent over Php11.4 million to create a place of unity and inclusivity, where skaters can build lasting friendships and showcase their skills.
Located near the highway, it features ramps, railings, and pools to cater to every level of skater. Some obstacles such as the bridge and the railings are designed to be more challenging.
Youtuber TheSkateNomad called it one of the weirder skate parks in the world, as it requires a bit more experience for people to fully appreciate it.
- Palaboy Skate Camp
The Palaboy Skate Camp is a skater-themed and skater-owned beach resort in Daanbantayan, combining the adrenaline pumping action sport with the relaxing ambiance of the ocean.
It is owned by Jack Nonato, a skateboarding legend from Cebu who has made a living out of building skate parks. He built this resort from the ground up–from the trees surrounding it to the fascinating skate course.
Every area of the park is expertly crafted, from the massive concrete pool to the brick ramps. One of the skateboard ramps is placed at the end of a cliff, offering a magnificent backdrop of the ocean.
The best part is the environment, giving you that countryside feel. It is a rather simple accommodation, with some rooms that are built as nipa huts, with only a single mattress inside.
- Under the Marcelo Fernan Bridge
While it doesn’t have the usual obstacle courses, the Millennium Park under the Marcelo Fernan Bridge is a fan-favorite location for skateboarders, especially those from Lapu-Lapu City and Mandaue City.
The park is much more low-key and perfect for beginners who want to train on a flat surface. It is a spacious lot, and having one of Cebu’s most iconic structures in the background definitely adds to its aesthetic.
The park is easily accessible despite its hidden location. It is peaceful and less crowded for skaters to practice their tricks.
Because of its low-key location, the park is also an ideal spot for dates, hikes, and biking. The cool breeze from the ocean, as well as the unique artwork on the pillars, offer a relaxing and picturesque atmosphere.
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It’s never too late to start a new hobby, and if skateboarding interests you, these skate parks can show you a thing or two about how it’s done.
The recent success of Margielyn Didal has indeed ushered in more plans of building bigger and better skate parks in Cebu. The Cebu City government is eyeing the revival of their skate park project, as it will surely excite the many skateboarders who continue to hit the concrete in the different neighborhoods and barangays of Cebu.
Cebu has always been a popular skateboarding spot, and the community is getting bigger. For a quick introduction to this exciting action sport, check out any of these impressive skate parks on the island!
