Candelaria Launches Municipal Skate School Following New Skatepark Investment
Candelaria has officially opened a new municipal skate school and park, marking a strategic shift toward institutionalizing skateboarding as a mainstream sport following a collaborative, resident-led development project.
The opening of the Municipal Skate School in Candelaria marks a significant shift in the town’s sports policy. With 34 students already enrolled, the academy is the result of a long-term effort to bring skateboarding into the mainstream and provide it with the same institutional support as more traditional sports.
The new skatepark, located on Avenida de los Menceyes, cost 264,236.50 euros to build. The project was funded through a partnership between the City Council, which contributed 123,676.50 euros, and the Island Council of Tenerife, which provided 140,560 euros. The construction contract was awarded to the firm Roig i Fills Associats. The design was shaped by the community, with nearly 1,000 residents participating in a public consultation process to decide on the final layout after years of planning that began in 2019.
This project reflects a broader trend in local government: making urban spaces more accessible for youth activities. By officially including skateboarding in its municipal services, the City Council is working to move past old social stigmas and treat the sport with the same respect as any other. Mayor Mari Brito noted that this success is the result of a clear plan to ensure the facility is managed professionally.
To celebrate the sport’s local history, artist Matías Mata of Sabotaje al Montaje created a mural at the site honoring the area’s skate pioneers. This project is part of a wider strategy led by the Department of Sports and Manuel González to diversify the town’s athletic offerings. With over 30 clubs already active in the municipality, the department now plans to add further specialized facilities, such as a climbing wall, to meet a demand that has been building for nearly a decade.