From Caravan Park to Courts: How We Built Our Camping Les Medes Sports Zone in 2003
What does it take to turn parked caravans into a place where families rally, spike, and score? In 2003, we transformed an old caravan area into the Camping Les Medes sports zone, creating space for everyday play and friendly competition. In this behind-the-scenes story, you’ll learn why we made the change, how we built it, and how you can make the most of the courts on your next visit.
Why We Transformed the Caravan Park
At Camping Les Medes, continuous improvement is more than a slogan—it’s how we plan and build. The decision in 2003 to replace an old caravan park with a dedicated sports area grew from our ongoing commitment to enhance guest experiences and broaden on-site activities.
- We wanted to add versatile, family-friendly recreation to complement our pools, playground, and children’s activities.
- We sought to dedicate a calm, landscaped space for both active play and quiet relaxation, adding a green rest area with benches.
- We continued a long-running improvement journey that has included major milestones, such as our heated indoor pool inaugurated at Christmas 1996, and recognized quality and environmental practices.
From an industry perspective, multi-activity outdoor spaces help guests of different ages stay active together. A multi-sports court supports quick game changes—ideal for families and small groups—while a quick tennis surface offers consistent bounce and fast play, a common standard in modern campsites and clubs.
What We Built in 2003: The Sports Zone, Defined
In 2003, we created a purpose-built sports area that includes:
- Quick tennis court — reservation required at reception.
- Beach-volleyball court — open access for sand-court play.
- Multi-sports court — marked for both basketball and five-a-side football.
- Green rest area with benches — a landscaped space to cool down, spectate, or unwind.
Key details for easy planning:
- Opening hours: 08:00–23:00 daily.
- Booking: Reserve the tennis court at reception; other courts are open access.
Quick Answers (great for planning)
- When was the sports zone created? — 2003.
- What can I play? — Tennis, beach-volleyball, basketball, and five-a-side football.
- Do I need to book? — Yes for tennis, via reception; other courts are open.
- What are the hours? — 08:00–23:00.
How the Project Came Together
While the result looks simple—a clean layout of courts and a green rest area—the path from concept to completion hinged on thoughtful choices:
1) Space reallocation
We repurposed the former caravan area to group all sport activities together. This keeps games safely away from quiet pitch zones and creates an energetic hub for movement.
2) Surface selection and markings
- The quick tennis surface provides a stable, predictable bounce and a faster pace, aligning with common hard-court standards.
- The multi-sports court was laid out with clear lines for basketball and five-a-side football, enabling seamless switchovers and shared use.
3) Flow and comfort
We paired the courts with a landscaped green rest area, including benches. Spectators can watch the action comfortably, and players have a place to stretch and cool down between games.
4) Booking and access
A simple on-site reservation for tennis through reception ensures fair access and helps groups plan match times. Other courts remain freely available, so spontaneous games can get started easily.
How Guests Benefit Today
The sports zone adds a flexible, family-friendly dimension to your stay:
- All-ages play: From casual basketball shootarounds to a friendly five-a-side match, there’s something for everyone.
- Structured and spontaneous: Book tennis for a set time, or hop on the multi-sports or beach-volleyball courts when they’re free.
- Active breaks: The courts create natural mini-adventures between a morning swim and an evening meal.
- Social connection: Shared spaces make it easy to meet neighbors, form teams, or start a pickup game.
This hub pairs well with other on-site facilities:
- Pools: Enjoy our outdoor pools (with a children’s pool featuring fun water fountains) in season, and the indoor heated pool from 15/09 to 15/06.
- Family time: Between the courts, playground, and high-season children’s entertainment, there are activities for different energy levels.
- Easy movement: The terrain is flat with good drainage, and facilities are designed with guests with reduced mobility in mind.
Practical Takeaways: Make the Most of the Courts
Use these tips to get maximum playtime with minimal hassle:
Plan your tennis slot early.
- Reserve the quick tennis court at reception to secure your preferred time.
Create a simple rotation.
- On the multi-sports court, alternate basketball and five-a-side football in short sets (e.g., first to 7 points or 10-minute halves) so everyone plays.
Schedule around the heat.
- With 08:00–23:00 hours, consider early-morning or late-evening sessions for cooler play and a relaxed pace.
Use the green rest area.
- Cool down, hydrate, stretch, or watch the next match from the benches. It’s also a handy spot to regroup before heading to your next activity.
Blend play with a full day on site.
- Pair a morning game with a swim, a snack at the year-round snack bar-pizzeria, and an afternoon beach-volleyball session.
Keep it friendly and inclusive.
- Rotate players and shorten sets to include children and neighbors—quick matches keep the energy high and the wait times low.
Think variety.
- Mix sports to vary muscle groups and reduce fatigue. For example, follow a tennis session with light basketball or a casual beach-volleyball set.
Part of a Longer Journey of Improvement
Our sports zone is one milestone in an ongoing story of renewal and guest-focused upgrades:
- 1987: New outdoor swimming pool built.
- 1989: Second bathroom block added.
- 1996: Construction of the heated indoor pool began in September; it was inaugurated at Christmas 1996.
- 2003: The former caravan area became today’s sports zone with tennis, beach-volleyball, and a multi-sports court.
We’re a family-run, year-round campsite, and we continue to invest in facilities, service quality, and environmental responsibility. That same mindset led to recognized quality and environmental management systems and ongoing sustainability initiatives over the years.
How the Sports Zone Fits Your Stay
To help you visualize your day, here’s how the courts connect with other on-site essentials:
- Warm up on the multi-sports court, then cool off in the outdoor pools (in season) or the indoor heated pool (15/09–15/06).
- Stroll through the green rest area to wind down before lunch at the restaurant (open 01/04–31/10) or the year-round snack bar-pizzeria.
- Balance active play with nearby activities like bike rental for local rides or, for divers, excursions to the Medes Islands with our Aquàtica partners.
For trip planning, remember:
- We’re open all year.
- The campsite is roughly 800 metres from the beach.
- You can explore accommodation options across pitches and three bungalow types.
- A detailed Map is available on our website to help you get oriented before arrival.
Frequently Asked (Featured-Snippet Friendly) Questions
- What is the Camping Les Medes sports zone? — A 2003-built area with a quick tennis court (book at reception), a beach-volleyball court, a multi-sports court for basketball and five-a-side football, plus a green rest area.
- When is the sports zone open? — Daily from 08:00 to 23:00.
- Do I need to reserve a court? — Tennis requires a reservation at reception; other courts are open access.
Conclusion: From Idea to Daily Play
Repurposing a caravan park into the Camping Les Medes sports zone in 2003 turned unused space into a living, breathing venue for shared moments—matches with friends, first-time serves, and family tournaments at sunset. It’s practical, versatile, and ready whenever you are.
Ready to play? Book your stay today, reserve your tennis slot at reception when you arrive, and make the courts a highlight of your Costa Brava getaway.
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Interested in planning your activities in detail? Explore our Map, check Pitches or Bungalows, and pair court time with a swim in the indoor heated pool (15/09–15/06) or the outdoor pools in season. Have questions? Contact us at +34 972 75 18 05 or info@campinglesmedes.com.