The mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, along with the Sports councilor, Alicia Cebrián, the Works and Infrastructure councilor, Javier Rivero, and the Health-La Salle district councilor, Zaida González, attended the grand reopening of the Juan Santamaría football field in the capital city. The event was graced by representatives from the three football clubs that utilise the field – Esférico Fútbol Club, Club Duggi Tenerife, and CD Tranvía – collectively involving around 500 young athletes.
The Sports Minister of Cabildo, Yolanda Moliné, was also present at the ceremony. The renovation project, with a total cost of €1,573,381.24, is part of the subsidy provided by the island institution for the enhancement of the Juan Santamaría, El Tablero, and García Escámez soccer fields.
Expressing his satisfaction, José Manuel Bermúdez stated, “It has been a challenging journey, but reaching this point has been rewarding. Today, we reopen the doors of Juan Santamaría, welcoming over 500 young individuals to engage in sports. They are the focal point, the beneficiaries of this investment of over one and a half million euros, allowing them to play football safely and in optimal conditions.”
The mayor highlighted that “it has been a commitment of this Administration to promote sports in Santa Cruz, encouraging outdoor physical activities and promoting healthy lifestyle habits among the population.”
Bermúdez explained, “The renovation of the Juan Santamaría soccer field is a part of our efforts to rehabilitate and upgrade sports facilities within the municipality.” He expressed gratitude to the collaborating departments, including Infrastructure, Sports, Health-La Salle district, municipal technicians, and the company responsible for the renovation. Special thanks were conveyed to the Esférico, Duggi, and Tranvía clubs for their cooperation and patience, hoping they will enjoy the revamped field for years to come.
Alicia Cebrián, the Sports Councilor, emphasised, “The inauguration of a municipal facility is always significant for Santa Cruz, especially when it is a sports facility. It offers citizens the opportunity to enhance their health and quality of life by providing a new space for physical exercise and sports.”
Cebrián noted that “when the primary purpose of a sports facility is for grassroots sports, like in this case, its significance increases as it is crucial to instil this activity from a young age.” She added that “sport contributes to the physical, cognitive, and social development of children and youths, which is why the City Council is dedicated to creating new municipal sports areas and improving the existing ones.”
“Today, we celebrate the reopening of the renovated Juan Santamaría football field, and on behalf of the Sports Service of the City Council, we extend our gratitude to clubs, players, and parents for their patience during the months of construction and their flexibility in continuing training at alternate facilities to ensure that players can continue their sports activities,” Cebrián expressed.
Javier Rivero, the Works and Infrastructure Councilor, stated, “The comprehensive renovation undertaken has completely revitalised a field that was over 30 years old, transforming it from a dirt field to one with artificial grass. The deterioration of the existing facilities compelled us to engage in this extensive rehabilitation, involving an investment exceeding one and a half million euros.”
Rivero highlighted that “this project is part of a broader initiative that includes the renovation of six municipally owned soccer fields, such as those at Las Delicias and La Salud, which are currently in progress, along with those at García Escámez, The Gladiolos, and The Board. Furthermore, we have secured European funding for energy-efficient upgrades in 15 fields, facilitating the installation of hot water systems and shaded areas.”
In conclusion, the Santa Cruz councilor mentioned, “In summary, our objective is to enhance Santa Cruz as a better city, particularly regarding improved sports facilities for our youth, who represent the future of sports participation in the municipality.”
The renovation involved grass replacement, installation of LED floodlights, enhanced stand lighting, and a new irrigation system. It also encompassed raising the end fences, upgrading the field’s perimeter area, installing equipment and flags, waterproofing, rainwater collection, provision of new club material rooms, painting, general cleaning, and improved stand accessibility.
