Canóvanas opens modern rural sports complex

Parque de Pelota and Cancha Leo Sports Complex received international recognition after its basketball and volleyball courts obtained certification from the FIBA.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Municipal Government of Canóvanas has inaugurated a modern rural sports complex in Puerto Rico in the Barrio San Isidro community, with an investment exceeding $3.4 million.

The project includes the Parque de Pelota and Cancha Leo (Baseball Park and Leo Basketball Court), as well as the Parque de Pelota Jardines de Palmarejo (Jardines de Palmarejo Baseball Park), positioning the municipality as a sports benchmark in the eastern region of the island.

The work was largely funded with federal funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), channeled through the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction, and Resilience (COR3), along with a municipal contribution exceeding $1 million.

“It is important to note that the purpose of these improvements is not only to repair the damage caused by past disasters, but to create more resilient, modern, safe, and high-quality structures designed for the enjoyment of our children, athletes, visitors, and any other citizen,” Canóvanas Mayor Lornna Soto Villanueva said.

The mayor said the Parque de Pelota Jardines de Palmarejo was built by the Puerto Rican company Interstate General Contractors, selected through a public bidding process, and delivered fully rehabilitated for immediate community use.

“This baseball park was delivered fully rehabilitated, and its improvements included the complete renovation of the structure, installation of new electronic equipment, and reconstruction of the stands, dugouts, and restrooms, the latter in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),” Soto Villanueva said. “Additionally, the playing field was upgraded with certified materials and new turf, and a new electrical substation and lighting system were installed.”

She also noted that the Parque de Pelota and Cancha Leo Sports Complex received international recognition after its basketball and volleyball courts obtained certification from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) for featuring a world-class sports flooring system.

Christian Pagán of COR3 congratulated the municipality for the demonstrated compliance in the use of federal funds and emphasized that the project represents a milestone in the rehabilitation of community sports infrastructure in Puerto Rico.