An infrastructure project under Mayor WES Gatchalian’s #ProyektongKakaiba, the City Government cements its liveability by inaugurating the Valenzuela City Skate & Paw Park — the two, new recreational parks dedicated to skateboarding enthusiasts and fur parents and their beloved pets. The ceremonial ribbon-cutting took place at the Valenzuela City Skate Park located near the NLEX Harbor Link along MacArthur Highway at Barangay Karuhatan.

Welcoming another fruitful year of cityhood, the City of Valenzuela celebrated its 27th Charter Day by opening the Valenzuela Skate & Paw Park as one of its headliner activities this February.

Mayor WES spearheaded the ribbon-cutting ceremony and unveiling of the marker for the parks. He was joined by Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja and other city officials, MPTC President and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Arrey Perez, NLEX, SKATE Pilipinas, and Valenzuela Skate Organization.

Mr. Tong Facundo, Vice President of Skate Pilipinas and Co-founder of the Valenzuela Skateboarders Organization, expressed his gratitude for LGU and NLEX's support in creating this skate park project, which will keep the skateboarder community alive and thriving.

President and COO of MPTC/NLEX, Mr. Arrey Perez also shared a message and his beliefs that the new parks could train and hone young talents: “Nakikita ko dito, Mayor, na this [Valenzuela Skate Park] is one of the springboard ng mga future Olympians natin.”

Mayor WES Gatchalian conveyed the vision of repurposing empty spaces into meaningful hubs. “Dito sa Valenzuela, nakikita ho natin na ang mga lugar sa ilalim po ng mga flyover at mga pocket areas sa city ay napapakinabangan natin; napapaganda natin, at name-make use natin sa mga magagandang programa natin tulad ng ating Skate at Paw Park.”

To formally open these brand-new spaces, the city government tied up with SKATE Pilipinas and held the exhibition of the champions of the 1st Mayor WES Skateboarding Competition, which commenced the finals last February 13. Several finalists showcased exhilarating skateboarding tricks using the Valenzuela City Skate Park facilities. The awarding of the top 3 winners of the competition ensued with the first prize winner winning PHP 15,000; the second prize winner receiving PHP 7,000; and the third prize winner with PHP 3,000.

Simultaneously, the Valenzuela City Paw Park also conducted a dog obedience demo, featuring trained dogs demonstrating skills with their trainers. Fur parents and their fur babies are also in for a treat with several booths doing free giveaways of pet products and other promo items.

Finishing the look of the two new recreational hubs, the city government also hosted a Mural Art Competition where different Valenzuelanos worked to create colorful murals upon different posts, with each design showcasing the vibrancy and liveability of Valenzuela City. 5 winners of the said competition bagged different cash prizes and gifts: the first prize winner received PHP 50,000; the second prize PHP 40,000; the third prize PHP 30,000; the fourth prize PHP 20,000; and the fifth prize PHP 15,000, respectively.

These recreational parks are a joint project between the City Government of Valenzuela, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), and North-Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation; which intends to reclaim empty spaces near the NLEX Harbor link and transform them into purposeful spaces where Valenzuelanos can freely conduct their physical activities – such as skateboarding and cycling – and spend their leisure time with their beloved pets.

The Valenzuela City Paw Park spans a total floor area of 533.30 square meters which houses amenities that every Pamilyang Valenzuelano can freely use, including a Paw Activity Area, Paw Picnic Area, Sitting Area, Concrete Walkway, and a Bike Parking Area. A total of PHP 8,000,000 of the project cost was allotted for the completion of the park.

Meanwhile, the Skate Park contains specially curated facilities dedicated to skateboard enthusiasts which they can use in their practice and leisure time. Amenities present in the park are as follows: Quarter Pipe Ramps, Stair Sets, Skate Bowl, Fun Boxes, Handrails, Flat Rails, Grind Boxes, Hubbas, Sitting Benches, and Bike Racks. The floor area stretched to a total of 2,028 square meters, from a lot area of 3,969 square meters.

With several Valenzuelanos seeking a space dedicated to their outdoor activities — whether it be practicing their skateboarding techniques or spending quality time with their beloved pets — the City Government of Valenzuela sought a solution to provide safe havens for such activities where they can relax and enjoy their time to their heart’s content.

These conducive places bring the community together and develop meaningful connections with each other through their shared passions and interests — making Valenzuela City a liveable and enjoyable place to be.

The Valenzuela City Skate & Paw Park are now open to the public daily, from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

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