The history of social clubs in Panama cannot be overlooked. In the capital, the Club Unión was the only social club that remained in operation, and unlike other countries in the region, there were no alternatives of a similar scope. The first of great relevance was the Club Unión, founded in 1909, which continues to operate with a large membership in its current facilities in Punta Paitilla. The second in number of members was the Club Miramar, active between 1928 and 1938, when its facilities were sold. This highlights two aspects for the city of Panama: the absence of clubs or recreational areas linked to beaches, and the fact that for decades, in a city with a significant middle and upper-class population, the Club Unión was practically the only social reference. It was not until 1972 that another option with broad membership emerged: the Altos del Lago Mountain Club, located on Ricardo J. Alfaro Avenue, which also had a country area in Calzada Larga. In contrast, in David, Chiriquí, the Club David has been operating since 1917, starting informally with meetings in private homes of community figures. In a capital where social recreation options are limited, a space of this type could respond to a growing demand for family integration and recreation.
