Bacolod city: This highly urbanized city has unveiled the Bacolod Skate Park, considered the largest covered skate park in the country, located in Barangay Vista Alegre. The 1,355-square-meter facility, funded by the national government, was inaugurated by Mayor Greg Gasataya and Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, along with other government officials and members of the local skating community.

According to Philippines News Agency, the skate park and an adjacent multi-purpose center, which includes a basketball court and bleachers, make up a project worth PHP241 million. This initiative was implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways-Western Visayas. Mayor Gasataya emphasized Bacolod’s aim to become a sports destination in the country by highlighting the new facility in communication with Philippine Sports Commission Chairman John Patrick Gregorio.

The development is part of Bacolod’s bid to host the Batang Pinoy games next year, with sports being a priority for the city. The facilities are envisioned to serve as a training center for skating and other sports, as well as a dormitory. Rep. Benitez hopes the new skate park will boost local skateboarding and help Bacolod produce more skateboarders of international caliber.

The venue will soon host the MassKaralympics BMX and Skateboard Competition on Oct. 11 and 12, attracting participants from across the Philippines. Architect Paulo Gepulango expressed excitement over the new covered facility, noting that it’s a significant upgrade from typical open skate parks and fulfills a long-standing request from the community.

The park offers a new training ground for athletes like national skateboarding team member Cindy Lou Serna, who previously trained in Manila. Serna, also the Skate Pilipinas 2025 tour women’s champion, attended the park’s opening and recognized its potential to nurture young talent in Bacolod, aiding the local skateboarding community.