Yama Buddha Skateboard Park in Kathmandu to Be Completed in Two Months

Construction of the Yama Buddha Skateboard Park, being developed by Kathmandu Metropolitan City, is 50% complete. Mayor Balendra Shah shared on Facebook that the long-awaited skateboarding dream has been realized after three years of persistent effort.

“From the start of my tenure as mayor, our first goal was to make Kathmandu a city for everyone. Alongside preserving heritage, we aimed to create spaces aligned with the aspirations of our youth, which led to the Yama Buddha Skateboard Park,” Mayor Shah wrote.

He emphasized that the park is designed not just as a sports facility but also as a space for youth cultural expression, promoting art and music, while remaining family-friendly.

Park Construction and Land Details

Ward Chairperson Virendra Prajapati of Kathmandu-5 said the park’s construction will be completed within three months. The site was previously occupied by private individuals, but upon reviewing cadastral and land records, authorities confirmed it as government land. Structures on the land were removed to make way for the park.

“Out of 40 ropani of government land in the ward, 13 ropani has now been allocated for the skateboard park,” Prajapati explained.

Initially, the metropolitan executive had planned to build the park in Ward 16. However, land disputes delayed the project. Mayor Shah noted that after the passing of former Ward Chair Mukund Rizal, acquiring land in Ward 16 became impossible. After three failed attempts to obtain land from the Nepal Government, the project was moved to Ward 5, where public land was available.

“This park is being developed specifically for children, as there are few recreational spaces available for them in the city,” Prajapati added.

Completion Timeline and Facilities

According to Assistant Director and Engineer Jivan Bist of the Metropolitan Public Works Department, the park will be completed by Tihar 2025.

“Preparations at other sites took a long time, but now clearing and foundation work are done. The skateboard base is ready, and other structures are under construction. Once the main structures are erected, the park will be fully completed after Tihar,” Engineer Bist said.

The park will include:

• Skateboarding areas
• Children’s playgrounds
• Open gym
• Toilet blocks (almost completed)
• Volleyball courts
• Office block under construction

Honoring Yama Buddha

The park is named after the popular Nepalese rapper Yama Buddha (real name Anil Adhikari), who was a significant figure in Nepal’s hip-hop music scene. Known for providing platforms like rap battles to young rappers, he is widely remembered as a “godfather” of Nepali rap. Tragically, he passed away in the UK in 2017.

“From Balendra to Lahures, many famous rappers got their start through platforms like those Yama Buddha inspired. This park honors his legacy,” Mayor Shah said.

The Yama Buddha Skateboard Park is expected to become a central hub for youth, sports, and cultural activities in Kathmandu, offering both recreational and creative spaces for families and communities.