This morning, the Mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, alongside Javier Rivero, the delegate councillor for the Maritime Park, and Health-La Salle Councilor Zaida González, Development Society Councilor Carmen Pérez, and Anaga Councilor Gladis de León, unveiled the recently completed renovations at this facility. An investment of €916,000 has facilitated a comprehensive update, revitalising the changing areas and enhancing the services outside these spacial units, as well as the thorough renewal of numerous umbrellas and sun loungers,” stated the councillor.
Bermúdez underscored that, “marking the 30th anniversary of its opening, the Maritime Park proudly showcases these improvements, which have been underway since October 2024. This significant investment modernises the facilities and bolsters their accessibility, establishing the park as a prime destination for leisure and bathing within the city.” He went on to express that “what we present today represents the culmination of efforts that began in October, demonstrating our steadfast commitment to enhancing this iconic space for the people of Santa Cruz.”
Javier Rivero remarked, “The changing rooms, an area that has needed attention for many years, were a priority in this initiative, as we strive to ensure the park meets the expectations of its many visitors.” He continued, “As the mayor frequently points out, this facility holds a special place in the hearts of both residents and islanders, who often visit in large numbers, particularly during the peak seasons.”
Rivero, the Councilor for Works, highlighted that the Maritime Park welcomed 262,000 visitors in 2024, primarily consisting of locals and residents from the island. “Although we do have tourists, the park truly embodies the spirit of Santa Cruz, which is why these improvements are primarily aimed at ensuring it continuously caters to our locals who frequent the park daily.”
Zaida González, the Health-La Salle Councillor, emphasized “the positive influence this will have on the district and the community, as this park serves as a crucial alternative due to its closeness and calibre.” She added, “Now, with these enhancements, we can assure that everyone will enjoy this space, including those with particular or different needs.”
The renovations concentrated on refurbishing the changing rooms (both male and female) with new accessible stalls and water-saving systems featuring sensor taps. Improvements were also made to offices, the medical cabinet, the playroom, the cistern, and the pool pumping network, including the installation of 2 stalls for ostomised individuals, 4 accessible costumes, and 5 bathrooms designed for those with reduced mobility.
The enhancements serve to expand and modernise the offerings, ensuring that the female changing rooms are equipped with 20 toilets, 22 sinks, 21 booths, 26 showers, and 1 bathroom fitted for ostomised people; the male facilities now boast 5 toilets, 21 sinks, 14 urinals, 19 booths, 24 showers, and 1 bathroom designated for ostomised individuals. Furthermore, the threshold and waterfall sections have been upgraded with additional accessible toilets and renewed amenities for both male and female users.
This occasion also provided the mayor an opportunity to commend the staff at the Maritime Park, noting his direct councilor’s efforts, “Thanks to their dedication, this facility has thrived for three decades.” He announced that next season will see the introduction of new activities to celebrate the anniversary, concluding with, “We take pride in returning a more functional, inclusive, and sustainable space to Santa Cruz.”