BALER, Aurora (PIA) — Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) completed the P39.2-million Baler Skate Park in the province of Aurora.
It is a world-class sports facility spanning 6,155 square meters that has an administration building, a 1,730-square meter parking area for 34 vehicles, and two designated parking slots for individuals with disabilities.
Mayor Rhett Angara said the facility is a dream come true for skaters in Baler.
“This skate park will provide a safe and accessible place for our skaters to practice and compete,” he furthered.
For his part, Aurora Lone District Representative Rommel Angara thanked DPWH for the project.
“The skate park is a testament to the government’s commitment to providing world-class sports facilities for our athletes,” he said.
The project of DPWH Aurora District Engineering Office includes a 350-capacity grandstand, a common leisure park, a 75 kVA generator set for a stable power supply, and installation of eight CCTV units to ensure the security of skateboarders and visitors.
Meanwhile, Taga Baler Skateboarding Community Incorporated (TBSCi) President Angelo Torres narrated the brief history of Aurora’s skate scene.
“Five individuals started the skate scene in Baler in the year 2000 namely Roderick Andal, Johenes Angara, Neil Rojo, Edsel Bernardino, and Ricomar Porqueriño. Together with Marten Persiel, they organized the 1st Lukso Happy Competition in 2004,” Torres shared.
Designed by Architect and TBSCi member Lornel Bihasa, the skate park’s layout was intended to offer increased skate space for athletes.
Skate Pilipinas President Carl Sambrano, on the other hand, noted that this is one of the best skate parks in the Philippines.
“It is a state-of-the-art facility that will help our skaters reach their full potential,” Sambrano furthered.
Other attendees during the inauguration include Asian Games 2018 Gold medalist and Olympian Margielyn Didal and SEA Games 2019 Silver medalist Mark Renzo Feliciano, who is from Baler. (CLJD-PIA 3)
