Stakeholders resolve skate park design issue

CEBU, Philippines — After the drama during the groundbreaking activity of the proposed skate park, stakeholders from the skateboarding community and Architect Roy Philip Arriola yesterday resolved the issues concerning the construction of the facility.

Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) Chairman Edward Hayco and Councilor Mary Ann Delos Santos, who represented Mayor Tomas Osmena, met with the skateboarding group from different disciplines and Margielyn Didal, the Cebuana Asian Games gold medalist.

In a meeting that lasted about four hours at the CCSC office, all the issues were ironed out, before the construction could start.

Miscommunication and misunderstanding, especially between Arriola and the Skateboarding and Rollers Sports Association of the Philippines Incorporated (SRSAPI) Regional Head Peter Lindgreen’s group, was reconciled.

It was also made clear yesterday that the skate park will not only be for the sole use of street skaters, but also for longboarders and even for in-line skaters.

Arriola also accepted Lindgreen’s group’s suggestions on the design, especially on the street course, which is Didal’s discipline.

Didal missed yesterday’s meeting as she was attending an event organized by the Philippine National Police.

Right after the meeting, Lindgreen met with Didal and went straight to Delos Santos’ residence to update her about the meeting, as the latter was also given instruction to hear Didal’s side.

Delos Santos, who has served as Lahug Barangay Captain, takes pride that Didal is also from Lahug.

She assured that Didal has someone to run to, whatever happens.

Didal also told Delos Santos that her group is okay to share the skate park with the other discipline.

“The more, the merrier,” Didal said.

Didal and Lindgreen reviewed the design and made last-minute adjustments before forwarding their suggestions with the architect.

From the architect, the design will also be discussed with the park’s commission and the construction firm, Dakay Construction, for their comments.

A 3D rendition of the design will be produced next week.

The park will both serve as the home of the Cebuano skaters, training ground of Didal and a breeding ground of future international skaters and venue for various local, national and even international competition.

Didal, like the rest, also do not want to delve into what happened during the groundbreaking of the skate park anymore.

At present, she is preparing for her Olympic qualifying event. (FREEMAN)