La Duna, the skatepark of Ciudad Juarez that dialogues with the desert

The skatepark is located in the eastern area of Ciudad Juarez and is inspired by the sand dunes of Samalayuca.

To skate at La Duna skatepark is to perform tricks in the desert. Fall backwards under the sun and jump on the ramps that blend in with the Samalayuca dunes.

La Duna is a space in Ciudad Juarez where you can come with a skateboard, rollerblades, scooter, or bicycle. It was inaugurated in 2020 and since then has brought together hundreds of wheel enthusiasts.

The team in charge of the realization of this project was led by landscape architects Valia Wright and Eduardo Peón, together with architect Francisco Elías. It was also comprised of urban planners, architects, and sociologists, with the main objective of understanding the dynamics of the relationship between the place where the park would be developed, the context of the area, migrant transit, and the natural and urban landscapes of the city.

The skatepark achieves in an architectural project to address a community need. Being in a marginalized area, it provides a space for interaction, coexistence, and sports.

Ciudad Juarez was chosen within the Urban Improvement Program of the Ministry of Agrarian, Territorial, and Urban Development (Sedatu) of the federal government, and in alliance with the Faculty of Architecture of UNAM, they created this park that resembles the shapes of the desert dunes.

This space in the Oriente Municipal Park also recovers a recreational area for all families in the area, especially for girls, boys, and teenagers. A venue for cultural exchange, games, and a safe place.

The project managers of La Duna skatepark won first place in the 2020 Noldi Schreck Award, which recognizes innovative design.

Architect Francisco Elias mentioned some key points for the organization to decide to build a skate park. He said that after conducting a prior diagnosis, they were able to observe that the use of skateboarding was common in the border city, even as a means of transportation. He also commented, as a member of Elías Group, that La Duna is an ode to the Chihuahua desert and responds to the context of the city.

The architect and skateboarder Edgar Rico collaborated as an advisor in the process.

According to information from Sedatu, the investment in the construction of La Duna skatepark was 20 million pesos, based on the principle of addressing the specific needs of the community surrounding these spaces in Ciudad Juarez so that residents can take ownership of this public space. This was stated by the head of the agency, Roman Meyer.

The land where it was built has over 8,500 square meters of construction and receives daily visits from both local and US neighbors who gather at La Duna.

Here is how La Duna skatepark looks like.

La Duna skatepark has three skating areas in its formation: a bowl, a track, and a space for beginners. In addition, it has rails and different types of ramps so that everyone can perform their tricks and improve them. There are also planters with desert plants that extend into the courtyards and floors of the city. Sharing the everyday style, blending the park with the desert and contributing visually to the landscape.

Sources: La Jornada, Arquine, Obras, Glocal, Más de Mx