The Cayman Islands government has achieved much in developing our sports infrastructure over the last decade. One key element is lacking, however. Cayman needs truly public sports facilities for our society to have a chance of realizing both its competitive and fitness potential.
If the goal is to get more people active so that they are healthier and to get more people involved with sports so that the base from which we draw elite athletes grows, we must have basic facilities that are readily available.
Joining a league, paying court fees or field fees, and committing to play on a regular basis with a team is not for everyone. Some just want to have fun.
At this time, however, most of Cayman’s sports facilities are heavily restricted. This is necessary, of course, because they serve our domestic competitive leagues and many of the facilities are privately owned. They must charge fees to meet their maintenance or mortgage expenses.
However, the problem is that the casual athletes, the weekend warriors, tend to be left out. A softball field in a park, for example, would not likely sit idle. Families, friends, and companies would likely put it to good use during gatherings such as picnics and parties.
Most places in the western world have public tennis courts and basketball courts that are free for the public to use. Many people from overseas are also amazed that Grand Cayman does not have a public swimming pool despite having weather that would support its use all year round.
Public walking, running and exercise trails are something else that can be increasingly found in cities big and small in other places in an effort to promote physical fitness.
We believe there is a significant portion of our population that would appreciate and take advantage of free facilities. A centrally located public park could incorporate a variety of sporting facilities.
With exception of a pool, development of public facilities need not require significant investment. Land, of course, would be the biggest hurdle. Beyond that, however, a softball/baseball field, basic basketball, tennis and netball courts need not cost a great deal.
Whatever the cost for public play areas would be is certain to pay off in a happier and healthier Cayman Islands population.
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