**Current State of Tijuana’s Sports Facilities: Urgent Need for Millions in Rehabilitation**
Tijuana’s sports facilities are currently in a dire state, with many in need of significant repairs to provide adequate services to the city’s population. According to Carlos King, Director of the Municipal Institute of Sport (Imdet), many sports units lack essential amenities, starting with something as basic as potable water.
The disrepair is extensive, affecting various amenities such as tennis courts, tracks, pools, and restrooms. Notably, many facilities suffer from inadequate lighting, making activities challenging and unsafe after dark. Linette Vizcaya, a regular tennis player at the Tijuana sports facility on Avenida Ermita, recounts the numerous issues they face, including the absence of proper lighting on several courts and unsanitary bathroom conditions.
With over 24 sports units under Imdet’s care and a broader network of 130 courts across nine delegations, the challenge of maintaining these spaces is steeped in historical neglect. However, King is optimistic about the possibility of restoring these facilities to a functional state, estimating that the cost of necessary improvements could exceed 50 million pesos. The city’s administration plans to expand recreational spaces, including new padel courts and inclusive areas for individuals with disabilities, to accommodate Tijuana’s nearly two million residents.
**Additional Challenges: Security, Lighting, and Infrastructure**
Moreover, the facilities face additional issues such as lack of security and proper infrastructure. The plan includes improving the outdated lighting systems by replacing old reflectors with energy-efficient LED lights, which should help reduce operation costs and improve the user experience. Despite the challenges, specific sites like the Crea sports complex have benefited from these updates, enhancing evening activities.
Safety is another pressing concern, with reports of illegal activities occurring within some facilities. In response, efforts are being made to enhance security measures through installed CCTV surveillance and collaboration with the city’s Security and Citizen Protection department. This initiative aims to reclaim these spaces for safe public use and revitalizes security posts that have been neglected for years.
**Tijuana’s Public Pools: A Struggle for Functionality**
The city’s pool facilities face unique challenges, with some remaining closed for extended periods due to structural issues from past maintenance attempts. Imdet Director Carlos King cited the case of the Ribera del Bosque pool, closed for over two years. Complex and costly repairs are needed to address problems stemming from improperly executed waterproofing. Plans are underway to rehabilitate these facilities, with some works already progressing to ensure pool operations resume by early next year.
**Funding and Rehabilitation Efforts**
Repair costs projection suggests that around 50 million pesos might be required to address the most heavily used facilities. Donations from businesses and historical investments are anticipated to drive this rehabilitation initiative. The intent is not only to restore current facilities but to ensure their use by the wide community that frequents these spaces; for instance, the Tijuana sports unit alone receives over 3,500 visitors daily. Plans are also in place to develop a digital system to better understand visitor demographics and tailor programs to suit community needs effectively.
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**Update on Tijuana’s Sports Facility Developments**
In recent weeks, Tijuana’s municipal authorities have accelerated plans to rehabilitate sports facilities across the city. The goal is to ensure that each area, from track fields to eclectic sports courts, meets the city’s growing recreational demands. Officials remain committed to overcoming logistical hurdles and financial constraints as they push for improved public services to enhance the quality of life for Tijuana’s residents.
Reports suggest that the city’s growing population is exerting additional pressure on existing accommodation, making it imperative to promptly direct resources towards urban sports infrastructure. Additionally, community engagement is seen as an essential aspect of this endeavor, with authorities emphasizing the need for public cooperation to ensure the long-term sustainability of these rejuvenated spaces. Emphasis will also be placed on incorporating green technologies to optimize energy use and reduce the environmental footprint throughout the renovations.