Thousands of residents in Arona, including those with mobility issues, the elderly, families with pushchairs, and individuals recovering from injuries, could soon benefit from improved access to local sports venues if a new initiative is approved during Thursday’s council meeting. The Socialist Party is proposing the ‘Arona Without Barriers Plan,’ which aims to carry out a thorough technical assessment and subsequent renovations of the Cabo Blanco Municipal Wrestling Pavilion to facilitate safe and independent access.
The pavilion, which typically hosts training sessions, competitions, and major sporting events with a capacity of around 1,000 spectators, exemplifies current architectural shortcomings. Its steep staircases hinder smooth access for the public and create significant challenges for cleaning and maintenance staff, who struggle to carry equipment daily.
José Julián Mena, the PSOE spokesperson and former mayor, emphasised that public facilities must be usable by everyone, regardless of age or mobility condition. “We cannot accept that residents need help to navigate stairs or must forgo attending sporting events,” he stated.
The socialist plan aims for long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. According to councillor Francisco Marichal, the first phase involves mapping out continuous and accessible routes from entry points to public areas, changing rooms, restrooms, and seating. “This goes far beyond just adding a ramp. We need to design our facilities so everyone can enter, move around, and enjoy their time without facing barriers,” Marichal said.
If approved, the pilot project at Cabo Blanco would also lead to assessments of all sports facilities in the municipality, aiming to prevent access issues before they arise. Marichal highlighted the importance of understanding the actual conditions of all installations to identify barriers and set priorities for improvement. “The council should not wait for complaints to emerge before recognising that someone cannot use a public space,” he asserted.
To gather support from other municipal groups, the Socialists referenced previous accessibility initiatives taken under Mena’s leadership, such as the Municipal Accessibility Plan. This included tangible improvements like adapted walkways, inclusive playgrounds, and enhancements to local football fields. Such efforts earned Arona special recognition in the Access City Award for promoting autonomy and equal opportunities.
Mena reiterated Arona’s commitment to enhancing accessibility, stating, “We know how to progress because we’ve done it before. Now, we must ensure our sports facilities can accommodate everyone.” The outcome of the plenary session will determine whether these proposals transition from concept to action, with Mena clarifying, “Accessibility is not an add-on; it’s essential for making public facilities truly open to all citizens.”
