The spokesperson for Coalición Canaria in the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council, David Suárez, has expressed his dissatisfaction with recent announcements made by Councilor Gemma Martínez Soliño. The councilor had presented plans to transform La Ballena Park into an emblematic and accessible space, featuring dedicated areas for children, youth, seniors, sports, and pets.
According to Suárez, these promises come at an inopportune time, as the current term is in its final year, and for the three preceding years, no significant interventions have been carried out in this important park in Ciudad Alta. The nationalist spokesperson recalled that the last major development phase of the park was completed in July 2020, under the previous administration, adding 1,500 square meters of new outdoor areas, playgrounds, green spaces, lighting, and water supply. The first phase of the project was finalized in 2014.
“"What Ms. Martínez cannot do now is present as a future project what was already planned and has not been developed during this term."
Coalición Canaria argues that recent actions in the park have been limited to minor elements, such as the installation of picnic areas and a tubular slide, and believes that these do not substitute for a serious policy of creating and maintaining green spaces. Furthermore, the political party has pointed out the poor state of conservation of some areas of the park, especially near the football fields, where part of the space is used as parking without a comprehensive solution from the City Council.
For Coalición Canaria, the councilor's performance at the head of Parks and Gardens has been “frankly disappointing” and has fallen short of expectations for a capital with a municipal budget close to 559 million euros. They also warn that the major green area maintenance contract ended during this term, which, according to CC, highlights the need for effective management, planning, and concrete results, rather than mere announcements.
