Baghdad's newly opened skate park offers safe space Iraqi youth have longed for

Baghdad has seen a notable decrease in violence since the turbulent years following the fall of Saddam Hussein and during the battle against the Islamic State group. While daily concerns about car bombs and militant attacks have lessened, many young Iraqis feel that their opportunities for recreation and creative expression remain limited. Recent efforts to restore public spaces have largely overlooked the needs of youth, but this trend may be beginning to reverse.

This past weekend marked a significant milestone for the capital, with the inauguration of its first skate park. The event attracted foreign diplomats, sports officials, and young athletes, symbolizing a hopeful shift towards establishing more recreational facilities. Mohammed Al-Qadi, a 19-year-old skateboarder and one of the park's first visitors, expressed his excitement after waiting five years for such a space, emphasizing the safety and community it provides compared to previous informal skating locations.

The skate park, situated within the Ministry of Youth and Sports complex, was developed with assistance from the German and French embassies and completed in just three weeks. This initiative reflects increasing international interest in enhancing Iraq's sports infrastructure beyond soccer, paving the way for activities like skateboarding that have not been traditionally prioritized.

Alongside male skaters, female participants are also excited about the new facility. Rusul Azim, a 23-year-old member of the community, hopes to compete internationally thanks to the new training space, while Zainab Nabil, 27, attended the opening despite familial disapproval. Both women aim to challenge societal norms, advocating for more inclusive and supportive environments for girls in skateboarding.

As the skate park opens its doors, it represents a crucial step toward providing youth in Iraq with safe places to engage in physical activities and express themselves creatively. Many, including Al-Qadi, are hopeful that this is just the beginning of a broader movement for more youth-focused spaces throughout the city.