Bureaucratic red tape delays reopening of popular Tentegorra pools

The scheduled reopening of the Rafael de la Cerda Park is postponed indefinitely, as a missing signature prevents the municipality from legally taking over the site from the MCT

The reopening of the swimming pools at the Rafael de la Cerda Park in Tentegorra, originally scheduled for next Monday, June 15, will have to wait. The Cartagena City Council's Governing Board was informed this Thursday of the delay, which has been caused by a failure to formalise the handover of the facilities by the Taibilla Canals Water Board (MCT).

The council confirmed that all preparations were complete. The Governing Board had even approved a partnership with the Saint Anthony Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM) for 36 Sports Science students to do summer work placements alongside council staff.

However, without the final signature on the handover document, the council cannot officially take over management of the pools or open them to the general public.

The delay comes just days after new, lower entry fees were officially approved in the region's official gazette (BORM). Under council management, entry was set at €2 for adults and €1 for children under 12.

This is a massive discount compared to the previous Water Board rates, which were €6 for adults and €4 for children, a saving of 66% and 75% respectively.

The Mayor of Cartagena, Noelia Arroyo, had championed the recovery of these facilities as a priority to prevent their closure and protect them for future generations. While the land remains state-owned, the handover grants the council control of the pools, sports courts, and changing rooms. 

However, until the paperwork is officially signed by the MCT, the reopening date remains unconfirmed.

Image: Cartagena City Hall