Mexico City skaters protest San Antonio Abad skatepark demolition

Skateboarders, roller skaters, and local residents held a peaceful protest at the San Antonio Abad underpass in Mexico City to demand the reconstruction of a demolished skatepark. The facility was destroyed approximately 146 days ago to make way for infrastructure projects related to the 2026 World Cup, specifically the columns for the Jardín Flotante Tlallipan.

Community members and the collective ‘Espacio Sobre Ruedas’ dispute claims made by Mayor Clara Brugada, who stated that the demolition was not imposed and that users had agreed to a larger replacement facility. Protesters and original builders argue that the demolition occurred during the early morning hours without prior consultation or agreement.

The reconstruction process has faced significant delays. While the collective claims that California Skateparks, the firm that originally designed the park, has already prepared a preliminary project, the Secretary of Works and Services (Sobse), Raúl Basulto Luviano, stated that the firm lacks the necessary permits to participate in public works in Mexico City. Activists have criticized this reasoning, noting the firm's previous successful projects in the city.