Kurt sweeps Street Sessions at Capital Hill Skate Park grand opening

The skating community finally came together to celebrate the grand opening of the Capital Hill Skate Park under the Marianas Surf Skate League on Saturday, June 20. With the event already delayed due to Super Typhoon Sinlaku, it pushed through despite heavy morning rain, as skaters of all skill levels took part in the Game of Skate and Best Trick competitions during Street Sessions Vol. 2.

After plenty of shredding and landing difficult tricks, veteran skater Kurt Arboliras swept both events, winning the Game of S-K-A-T-E and the Best Trick competition. He claimed the Best Trick title with a backside 50-50 180 Out on the funbox obstacle. Competitors were given seven minutes to skate and land their best tricks throughout the park. They were allowed to use any obstacle—including the flat rail, circle rail, two funboxes, and quarter pipe—and were judged on the difficulty of both the obstacle and the trick performed.

Before the Best Trick competition, MSSL Skate Director and Acting Chair Tim Deleon Guerrero said it felt good to finally hold the event after the typhoon.

“We did run into some rain, but we’re happy that it cleared up and happy that the skaters showed out for this event,” he said.

As for having another skate park besides the main skate park in the Garapan/China Town area, he said, “We’ve actually been looking for a spot to create a skate park that can serve as a building block or foundation for new and beginning skaters to feel comfortable with the size and obstacles they’re working with. We understood that the Chinatown Skate Park is just too advanced for beginners, so we wanted an area where skaters can develop themselves, while intermediate skaters can also elevate their game with the obstacles here. It’s a mix of both worlds.”

On the turnout, he said they were happy to see new skaters showing up. “It’s really awesome to see and have the community be comfortable with each other, where we can grow and learn from one another,” he said.

He also thanked the MSSL, the Saipan Mayor’s Office, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and Mike Cruz for allowing them to paint the "Marianas Strong" mural in the parking lot.

Deleon Guerrero added that they plan to host more events and combine activities with the basketball, pickleball, and softball communities to “hopefully do one big shebang with everybody and keep this park alive.”