“City pushes for growth“, TygerBurger 17 September, refers. We must ask ourselves: where do true urban pleasures live, and what must we build today to ensure that Cape Town remains resilient, vibrant, and proud for decades to come?
On the corner of De Villiers and Van der Byl Avenue in Durbanville lies a forgotten property, once proudly called a skatepark. Twenty-five years ago, the mothers of young skateboarders fought for this space, and they succeeded in convincing the City to designate that piece of land for the next generation. But today, that space stands silent, neglected, abandoned. So I ask: Who will be the voice of the urban children of 2025?
Skateboarding is not a nuisance. It is a community sport, a culture where individuals of all ages and backgrounds meet, share, and form friendships. Skateparks are not just concrete—they are social glue. Walk through any well-kept park today and you’ll see fences, gates, and rules plastered on signs. But how often do you see six or more unrelated children freely playing together? When we design for rules instead of for joy, we design out community.
Mr Andrews, I urge you: Let us redesign some of our recreational spaces with skateboarding in mind. Create safe, well-maintained parks that welcome skateboarders, cyclists, and skaters. Let Cape Town become the city that proudly says: We did not forget our youth!
Imagine the pride if one day a South African skateboarder, who credits the design of the Durbanville skatepark for providing the foundation needed to develop their skills, should carry our flag at the Olympic Games.
That story begins with a decision we make now.
Tristan Bellingan, Hoogstede
