The Câmara Municipal of Câmara de Lobos built a sports park with EU funds, in the city centre, which includes physical fitness circuits, a cycling route, and two padel courts. Until mid-August, the use of the courts was free, through reservation on the SIMplifica platform.
With the concession of the courts' operation to the company MacPadel, reservations moved to the Playtomic platform and, during peak periods, 90 minutes cost 24 euros. This decision was made discreetly, without public communication, contrary to what is usual in this municipality.
The comparison with Quinta Magnólia reveals significant disparities. At this public facility, a 90-minute reservation costs 18.30 euros, with a 50% discount for residents, students, and those over 65, who pay only 9.15 euros. At Lobos Park, these groups pay more than double. Furthermore, Lobos Park has no free parking, changing rooms, or bar, while Quinta Magnólia offers these facilities.
In a municipality with one of the lowest per capita purchasing power indicators in the country, the article argues that the Câmara should have set criteria in the concession that protected residents' access, keeping the courts at a price compatible with the local reality, instead of handing over a public facility to private operation without protections for citizens.
