Sofia Needs a Skate Park Vol.2
Updated on: 08.05.2007, 15:14
Published on: 07.05.2007, 15:35
In more and more places all around the world local authorities support and finance the constructions of skate parks with specially made ramps and trick devises.
In Bulgaria's capital this is not happening. One year ago Sofia's skateboarders were moved from their improvised place for training in front of the ‘Soviet Army' monument. Now there are in full swing the construction sides of an underground station.
Not so close to the future station has left one ramp on which inline-skaters are practicing. Main investor of the ramp is the blade team of Disaster. The bladers financed the outfit by themselves. Sofia's municipality allowed the installation.
More than a year and a half the riders in Sofia entered in the municipality and the State Agency for Youth and Sports a subscription list and a demand. Since then neither of the authorities has react.
The biggest and most modern skate park in Bulgaria is situated in the town of Montana (Northern- Western Bulgaria). In Montana was easier - just 860 signatures forced Montana's mayor to find a place and to build such a park in the town. The project was realized in 6 months and financed for 120,000 BGN (60,000 EUR) by ‘Beautiful Bulgaria' project.
This year Montana will host for second time in a row big international competition.
Another city- the city of Stara Zagora (Southern Bulgaria) also could boast with special devoted place for ramp constructions and house holding of skateboard events.
From the Municipality of Sofia are passing. From the Agency of Youth and Sports said that the demand was put to discussions, but the next step should be made by the City Hall-they must indicate proper place for the skate park.
It is a shame that the skateboard community in Bulgaria and especially in Sofia city is doing so much for spreading the skateboard scene and its Bulgarian image and in the same time have to fight with bureaucracy and the inaction of ruling circles for such a needful, simple and key spot like a skate park.
We are all waiting for Municipality's progress on the case.
