La Orotava Considers Converting Sports Center Into Parking Lot Amid Infrastructure Debate
La Orotava officials are evaluating a proposal to convert the Camino de Chasna sports center into a parking lot to address local shortages, sparking debate over the prioritization of infrastructure versus community facilities.
La Orotava is facing a difficult choice: the town needs more parking, but creating it may come at the cost of local sports facilities. The municipal government is currently considering turning the Camino de Chasna sports center into a parking lot to address the area's severe parking shortage.
Narciso Pérez, the Councilor for Land Management and Planning, introduced the idea during a recent council meeting. The proposal follows concerns raised by residents and neighborhood groups during discussions about the upcoming TF-21 road renovation. As the Cabildo de Tenerife prepares to finalize plans for the road, officials are working to balance these infrastructure needs with community feedback. For now, the plan to convert the sports center is under review, pending further technical analysis and political consensus.
The council meeting also covered several other local issues. A proposal from the Asamblea por La Orotava to study the economic feasibility of renovating housing on Paseo Domínguez Alfonso was rejected. However, other motions from the same group—including plans for a temporary parking lot near the cemetery and a review of how the local festival queen is selected—will move forward for further discussion.
Finally, the meeting highlighted political friction regarding public health. The Popular Party challenged the local government over a rise in reports of rodents and insects in public spaces. While government spokesperson Felipe David Benítez maintained that the town’s pest control service is functioning as intended, the Popular Party criticized the administration for blaming the issue on residents’ littering habits rather than taking responsibility for urban maintenance.