The city of San Fernando has been recognized by the National Cota Cero Association as a prominent example in urban accessibility. During a working day, representatives from the City Council and the association toured various parts of the city to assess initiatives promoted for personal autonomy and the removal of architectural barriers.
Spaces such as Camposoto beach, the La Magdalena indoor swimming pool, and the urban environment of Calle Real and Plaza del Rey, along with municipal and tourist interest buildings, served as the backdrop for this evaluation. Mayor Patricia Cavada emphasized the importance of collaborating with specialized groups to identify areas for improvement and consolidate the concept of a 'city designed for all people'.
Javier García, president of Cota Cero, expressed his satisfaction with the work carried out in San Fernando, describing it as a 'wonderful experience' and highlighting the attention given to people with mobility issues. García considered the city to be 'a good example' of the commitment of 'more advanced and evolved' societies towards the most vulnerable sectors.
Camposoto beach was one of the key points of the visit. The City Council has worked for years to link tourism quality with accessibility, making this area a benchmark with resources and services that ensure autonomous, safe, and comfortable enjoyment for people with reduced mobility. The 'five-star accessibility beach' initiative was pioneering.
Additionally, the La Magdalena indoor swimming pool was visited, where a new accessible chair was recently installed to facilitate access and exit from the pool, especially for the elderly and individuals with reduced mobility. This measure addresses the growing demand and use of sports facilities by citizens requiring specific support.
The tour through the city center, including Calle Real and Plaza del Rey, allowed for an analysis of urban transformation from a global perspective. The mayor emphasized the need to create 'more humane, comfortable, safe, and friendly' cities, designed for everyone, not just a specific profile. Barrier removal, pedestrianization of streets, and improvement of public spaces are part of this vision.
Cavada thanked Cota Cero for their positive assessment, viewing it as an incentive to continue progressing. She stressed that accessibility is a permanent criterion for municipal action and an essential pillar of the new city concept that San Fernando is building, a progressive process but with a clear direction towards barrier removal and equality in the enjoyment of public spaces and services.
