Beach Tennis Court Expansion Faces Delays, Bonaire Tennis Courts Left Waiting
KRALENDIJK – The expansion of Bonaire’s beach tennis facilities with four additional courts has yet to be realised. INDEBON director Terrence de Jongh reports that the project is moving forward. Some of the quotes have already come in, and a new meeting is scheduled for the end of next week. The sand required for the project is, according to him, already available.
De Jongh previously announced that the beach park at Rudy Boezen is to be expanded to a total of twelve courts. In addition, two beach tennis courts in Rincon are on the drawing board. However, several components still need to be arranged for the four additional courts.
"I already have some of the quotes. At the end of next week we have a meeting. It’s moving," says De Jongh. According to him, it is not just a matter of the sand. The construction and transportation of the sand, beach posts, lighting poles, the lighting itself, and nets all need to be arranged as well. "So many things are happening at the same time."
As a result, the process is taking more time than originally hoped. The sand required for the expansion is, according to the INDEBON director, at least already on hand.
Tennis Lags Behind
Less concrete is the situation surrounding Bonaire’s public tennis courts. The condition of several courts has been a cause for concern for some time. The existing courts at Eddy’s are heavily used by residents and are essentially the only sports facility available to tourists as well, yet are in poor condition in many places. Due to long-overdue maintenance, parts of the courts have also become unsafe.
Tennis is a subject particularly close to De Jongh’s heart. He has been actively involved in the sport for many years and acknowledges that the situation has been ongoing for quite some time. When asked why, despite this awareness, little visible progress has been made, he replies that "many things" are at play. He remains optimistic about the future: "But I see a green light on the horizon."
He is not yet able to provide concrete plans or a timeline for the renovation of the tennis courts. "Pending. We get there," said De Jongh.
The director points out that INDEBON is currently carrying out work at multiple locations simultaneously. Work is underway, for instance, on maintenance and the development of the playground at the school in Rincon.
Work has also begun at the AMAS baseball field next to Jossy Boekhoudt. "We have started renovations at the AMAS baseball field," De Jongh announced on Monday.
