DUBAI Residents of The Lakes said shortened timings for use of sports facilities rob them of a chance to enjoy amenities maintained by service fees they pay regularly.
Residents also assailed the limit imposed by the developer on guests that can be brought to these facilities to five.
The Lakes, a sprawling horizontal development surrounded by artificial lakes and greenery, forms part of Emirates Living, an upper middle-class neighbourhood in New Dubai. The Lakes has five sections — Deema, Forat, Maeen, Zulal and Al Ghadeer — and borders The Springs, The Meadows and Emirates Hills.
Emaar’s property managers said they have placed restrictions on the use of the soccer field, community park and tennis courts due to reported abuse by some residents, who bring in outsiders.
Through a notice, Emaar had informed residents that play time on the soccer field would be shortened to 12 hours from 8am to 8pm daily, against 24 hours until recently. Tennis courts, also previously open 24 hours, are now open only from 7am to 10pm.
As part of the new regime, residents booking slots to play tennis will have to produce a title deed copy or a tenancy contract copy.
Overbooked and misused
“It has been brought to our attention that the tennis courts are frequently misused and overbooked. To ensure that only residents of The Lakes and Hattan (a neighbouring community) are using these tennis courts, kindly present valid documents,” Emaar Community Management announced through the notice board.
People were also urged to bring only a maximum of five guests to sports facilities.
“Residents are asked to refrain from bringing more than five visitors so other residents may also use and enjoy the sports facility,” the notice stated.
Those staying at The Lakes, however, are not happy with the restriction on numbers.
“I work from 9am till late evening. Where am I going to find the time to use the facilities now?” wondered an Iranian resident.
“We pay community maintenance fees regularly and must be given full and free access to the field and tennis courts,” said another owner.
