Oviedo, January 20, 2025 – Mayor Alfredo Canteli has publicly prioritized the construction of a new hockey court in La Corredoria by 2026, a pledge residents and athletes say is long overdue as the current facilities fall into disrepair.
A Promise on Ice: Oviedo Residents Demand Hockey Rink Upgrade
Local athletes and families are pushing for improvements to a dilapidated hockey rink, highlighting a growing need for updated sports infrastructure in the La Corredoria neighborhood.
- Mayor Canteli announced plans for a new hockey court in La Corredoria as a 2026 priority.
- The existing hockey rink is described as being in “disaster” conditions, lacking basic amenities.
- Residents emphasize the importance of sports facilities for community well-being and youth engagement.
- Concerns are rising about the neighborhood’s capacity to support its growing population without adequate services.
The mayor’s commitment to the project, revealed during the recent Three Wise Men celebrations in Oviedo, has been met with cautious optimism from those who have been advocating for improvements for some time. However, for many in La Corredoria, the announcement feels less like a new promise and more like a restatement of a commitment already made—and significantly delayed.
“The hockey rink is a disaster,” stated Alfonso Alonso, president of the La Corredoria Sports Society, bluntly assessing the current state of the infrastructure. He recalled that the municipal government initially pledged to address the rink’s issues a year and a half ago. “It is a luxury to have the football stadium that we have, but what is next door must also be taken care of. There is a club with many children and it does not meet the minimum conditions, neither in terms of locker rooms nor security,” he added.
The need for renovation extends beyond just the sporting aspect, according to local residents. Carmen Saavedra, a long-time resident of the area, believes revitalizing the track will benefit the entire community. “It seems very good to revitalize the neighborhood with that track. The kids who play don’t bother anyone; they are there because they like sports and it is much better that they are busy there than doing other things,” she explained, noting the increasing number of families in the area and the corresponding need for improved services.
José Ramón Sáinz, a frequent visitor to the neighborhood, echoed the sentiment that La Corredoria is struggling to keep pace with its growing population. “They told us that this was approved to start at any time and we don’t know why they haven’t started,” he lamented. “It is good that all sports have a place because the neighborhood is very large. The better facilities, the better for everyone. Next thing: a police station.”
