First public skate park opens in Beirut - in pictures

  • Danny Sultan, 25, attempts a 50-50 grind at Snoubar Skatepark in Beirut, Lebanon.
    Danny Sultan, 25, attempts a 50-50 grind at Snoubar Skatepark in Beirut, Lebanon.
  • Snoubar Skatepark is the first public skatepark in Lebanon's capital city.
    Snoubar Skatepark is the first public skatepark in Lebanon's capital city.
  • The free-of-charge park opened earlier this month.
    The free-of-charge park opened earlier this month.
  • The park was created by Make Life Skate Life, a non-governmental organisation that develops skateparks.
    The park was created by Make Life Skate Life, a non-governmental organisation that develops skateparks.
  • The park was made possible thanks to Air France, CHPO Brand, Decathlon Skateboarding and more than $18,000 in crowdsourcing funds.
    The park was made possible thanks to Air France, CHPO Brand, Decathlon Skateboarding and more than $18,000 in crowdsourcing funds.
  • The park is open to everyone, regardless of age and ability.
    The park is open to everyone, regardless of age and ability.
  • There will also be free classes teaching underprivileged youth how to skateboard.
    There will also be free classes teaching underprivileged youth how to skateboard.
  • Snoubar Skatepark is based in the centre of Beirut.
    Snoubar Skatepark is based in the centre of Beirut.
  • A relief fund in support of Lebanon's skateboarding community was set up after the explosion in the Port of Beirut in August 2020.
    A relief fund in support of Lebanon's skateboarding community was set up after the explosion in the Port of Beirut in August 2020.
  • Yasser Mehsen, 17, takes a break from riding and slacklines at Snoubar Skatepark.
    Yasser Mehsen, 17, takes a break from riding and slacklines at Snoubar Skatepark.
  • Roberto Nader, 25, performs a boardslide on a rail at the public skatepark.
    Roberto Nader, 25, performs a boardslide on a rail at the public skatepark.
  • Skateboarder Danny Sultan, 25, ollies over a concrete slab as the sun starts to set in the city of Beirut.
    Skateboarder Danny Sultan, 25, ollies over a concrete slab as the sun starts to set in the city of Beirut.
  • The park attracts a large crowd, despite only being open for a few weeks.
    The park attracts a large crowd, despite only being open for a few weeks.
  • The project aims to help the city's youth boost their resilience and psycho-social well-being.
    The project aims to help the city's youth boost their resilience and psycho-social well-being.
  • Lebanon was one of the few countries in the Middle East with no public skatepark.
    Lebanon was one of the few countries in the Middle East with no public skatepark.
  • Snoubar Skatepark took only six weeks to be constructed.
    Snoubar Skatepark took only six weeks to be constructed.
  • Bikers can also use the park. Yasser Mehsen, 17, eyes his landing after catching air off of a quarter pipe.
    Bikers can also use the park. Yasser Mehsen, 17, eyes his landing after catching air off of a quarter pipe.
  • Classes are available to children and young adults who live in the Shatila refugee camp, located next to the skatepark.
    Classes are available to children and young adults who live in the Shatila refugee camp, located next to the skatepark.
  • Skateboarders and bike riders explore the pavement at Snoubar Skatepark.
    Skateboarders and bike riders explore the pavement at Snoubar Skatepark.
  • Skateboards and safety gear are available for use at the skatepark.
    Skateboards and safety gear are available for use at the skatepark.
  • The skatepark aims to provide a place of leisure and joy the whole community can enjoy.
    The skatepark aims to provide a place of leisure and joy the whole community can enjoy.