Newly elected La Paz Mayor, Milena Quiroga Romero, announced on Tuesday, June 17 via social media, "This is what the largest sports center in the state looks like today, nearing completion. Located at the 8 du Octubre bridge (often called “el Puente ballator”), it includes trails for walking, a bike path, a multi-disciplinary center, a skate park, softball fields, baseball, soccer, basketball courts and more," she said.
Of course, on social media like Facebook, Southern Baja California citizens immediately chimed in with their views and critique of this new sports complex at the state capitol. ''Green areas are missing. Trees where you can cool off, where in August everyone will be suffering from the heat,'' said Jose Espinoza. "They should add a 400-meter track to run on like Don Koll in San Lucas. A million more pesos can make it possible," added Cristian Lucero. "We need volleyball courts. Many young people practice it and struggle to find where to work out and train," said Lucia Sanchez.
"How perfect!" exclaimed Valeria Diaz. "But it is also necessary to have functioning bathrooms near the soccer fields since most of them are abandoned or closed. The Navarro Rubio field attracts hundreds every weekend, where there are games and families, and children without any public restrooms."
Johanna Gerardo said the project is perfect, but maintenance and security must be provided to these types of public works because the administration that builds them later neglects them and that's where all that work and investment should also be.
"Some retaining walls near the banks are needed. Building it so close to an arroyo is not a very intelligent thing," said Juan Maldonado. "I agree. It looks like it does need some retaining walls and a parking lot. It looks very cool so far, but it seems to me that when the first hurricane hits or a good rain, everything will be flooded," echoed Perla Cazares.
"What a beautiful project. Congratulations to our mayor Milena Quiroga. The truth is that it was necessary, and it was built on an abandoned space," said Alixia Loya, who like many residents of La Paz, wants more projects that benefit the sports community like these.
"The maintenance of public parks and especially children's play areas, are mostly in poor condition. It is an issue that needs some form of remedy," said Beatriz Sanchez.
While many people are excited about the project, there are always others who loudly express their complaints. ''The important thing is not the inauguration but keeping it in good condition afterwards. Sadly, the Nuevo Sol Park is in poor condition,'' said Nanette Campos. Adalberto Mirand points out the new sports complex does not have any stands for spectators to sit, cheer, watch and support any of the sports their children could be involved in.
Aerial views of the new sports park in La Paz look amazing, and one can only hope that under this new administration, the area will be looked after so that the next generation of Southern Baja Californians will continue to admire and use their new fields, whether they are playing softball, baseball, basketball, soccer, skateboarding, tennis, running, volleyball and/or walking.
