**The Condition of Tijuana’s Sports Facilities: A Call for Urgent Rehabilitation**
Tijuana’s sports facilities are in dire need of attention, with some lacking even basic amenities like potable water. The Municipal Institute of Sports (Imdet) has revealed that significant funding will be required for rehabilitation efforts. These facilities, crucial for community recreation and sports, have long been neglected, resulting in deteriorating conditions across various venues.
Linette Vizcaya, a regular tennis player at the Tijuana sports complex, highlights numerous issues that users face. The courts lack proper lighting, making it difficult to play after dark, and the state of the bathrooms leaves much to be desired. Carlos Eliazib King Ristori, the newly appointed director of Imdet, has acknowledged these issues, stressing the importance of maintaining and enhancing recreational spaces across the city.
The city has around 24 sports units and 130 courts that are spread across different neighborhoods, none of which are particularly well-maintained. King aims to address the longstanding backlog of maintenance to elevate these spaces to a higher standard. Some of the larger areas, such as the Crea in the Zona Río and the Salvatierra and Reforma zones, are prioritized for these improvements.
Adding to the challenge, certain facilities face critical shortcomings like the lack of water and adequate security. In some areas, even basic lighting is absent, forcing users to operate in subpar conditions. King has emphasized the urgent need for resources to tackle these issues, estimating around 50 million pesos will be needed from the municipal government to address the most immediate concerns.
With nearly two million residents, Tijuana desperately needs more sports facilities. Current plans include adding new amenities like paddle courts and spaces for people with disabilities. Despite the challenges, there’s a noted demand, with the Tijuana unit alone handling over 3,500 visitors daily.
**Secondary Article: Challenges and Immediate Needs for Tijuana’s Sports Facilities**
In recent developments, the city’s efforts to improve its sports facilities face multiple challenges beyond just financial constraints. A significant concern highlighted is the safety of these locations; previous administrations left some areas with inadequate security, leading to illicit activities that have now been identified by the new administration.
Imdet plans to collaborate closely with local security authorities to mitigate non-sport activities that have diminished the quality of these venues. Existing security cameras will be integrated into a comprehensive monitoring system, and plans to activate old security booths are underway to enhance the safety of users, especially during evenings.
Additionally, efforts are being made to address issues like the repair of swimming pools, particularly the one in Ribera del Bosque, which has been out of operation due to structural problems. A one million peso investment is projected to revitalize this facility, ensuring it can once again cater to its previous user base.
In summary, while the road to fully rehabilitating Tijuana’s sports facilities is fraught with challenges, there’s hope and a structured plan in place to mend both physical structures and improve user safety and experience. The proactive steps being initiated by Imdet offer a promising outlook for the future of sports and recreation in the city.