By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — ESPARZA, Puntarenas – The community of Esparza is celebrating a landmark achievement in its local development with the official inauguration of a modern, indoor semi-olympic swimming pool. The ₡700 million facility, located within the Hugo Millet Carranza Arce Sports Complex, represents a significant joint investment between the Costa Rican Institute of Sport and Recreation (Icoder) and the Municipality of Esparza, promising to become a central hub for athletics and community life in the region.
The inauguration ceremony, held this Monday, September 29, 2025, was presided over by the President of the Republic, Rodrigo Chaves Robles, highlighting the national importance of the project. This new aquatic center is designed to serve a broad demographic, offering children, young people, and adults a safe and modern environment for swimming, training, and recreation. It is poised to not only foster local athletic talent but also enhance the quality of life for all residents in the Puntarenas canton.
To delve into the legal and administrative complexities inherent in a municipal project of this scale, TicosLand.com sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney specializing in public and municipal law at the firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His insights shed light on the critical processes that ensure such developments benefit the community effectively.
The success of the Esparza sports complex will ultimately depend on rigorous adherence to Costa Rica’s public contracting laws. A transparent bidding process and clearly defined contractual obligations are essential to safeguard public funds and prevent costly delays or disputes. Beyond construction, the municipality must have a legally sound and sustainable management plan in place; without it, a project meant for community benefit can quickly become a long-term liability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s analysis serves as a crucial reminder that the project’s success is built not just on concrete and steel, but on a foundation of legal transparency and administrative foresight. This long-term perspective is essential for ensuring the complex becomes a true community asset rather than a future liability. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for lending his invaluable expertise to this important public discussion.
Engineered to meet the highest standards, the facility boasts a 25-meter semi-olympic pool equipped with a sustainable solar-powered heating system. The complex was meticulously designed for both safety and functionality, featuring non-slip porcelain flooring, state-of-the-art pump and machine rooms, and a spectator grandstand with seating for 127 people. It also includes comprehensive amenities such as modern restrooms for the public and athletes, an administrative office, a warehouse, and a dedicated infirmary, ensuring it meets all technical and sporting regulations required to host official tournaments.
Beyond the main pool, the project thoughtfully includes an adjacent children’s pool, specifically designed to facilitate swimming lessons for the community’s youngest members. This dual-pool approach underscores the project’s commitment to inclusive development, providing a structured pathway for swimmers of all ages and skill levels. The comprehensive design solidifies the center’s role as a catalyst for promoting a healthy and active lifestyle throughout the region.
The financial structure of this ambitious project was a collaborative effort. Of the total ₡700 million investment, Icoder contributed a substantial ₡500 million, with the Municipality of Esparza providing the remaining funds. The municipality also undertook several complementary works, including significant improvements to the internal roads of the sports complex, ensuring seamless access and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Donald Rojas, the Minister of Sports, emphasized the government’s strategic focus on empowering Costa Rica’s coastal regions through targeted infrastructure investments. He articulated the vision behind the government’s substantial contribution to the project.
From the Government of the Republic and Icoder, we have invested ₡500 million so that Esparza has an infrastructure that will serve all of Puntarenas. This work symbolizes our commitment to the well-being of our citizens and the comprehensive development of Costa Rica’s coastal regions.
Donald Rojas, Minister of Sports
The journey to this inauguration began in September 2020 with the approval of the cooperation agreement between Icoder and the local government. After a meticulous construction process that concluded in recent weeks, the facility is now ready for public use. Starting this month, the pool will be managed and operated by the Municipality of Esparza in conjunction with the Cantonal Committee of Sport and Recreation, ensuring it remains a well-maintained community asset for years to come.
This new aquatic center marks a great leap forward for Esparza. It strengthens the canton’s public offerings with an accessible and high-quality space where sports, health, and community converge. The facility is more than just a building; it is a long-term investment in the physical and social well-being of the population, providing a new venue for families to connect and future athletes to thrive.
For further information, visit icoder.go.cr
About the Costa Rican Institute of Sport and Recreation (Icoder):
The Instituto Costarricense del Deporte y la Recreación is the governing body for sports and recreation in Costa Rica. Its mission is to promote, support, and develop athletic activities and recreational opportunities for all citizens, contributing to public health, social integration, and the comprehensive development of athletes and communities across the nation through strategic investments in infrastructure and programs.
For further information, visit esparza.go.cr
About the Municipality of Esparza:
The Municipalidad de Esparza is the local government entity responsible for the administration and development of the canton of Esparza in the province of Puntarenas. It works to improve the quality of life for its residents by managing public services, promoting economic and social development, and executing infrastructure projects that benefit the community, such as the new aquatic center.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as an esteemed legal institution, grounded in a foundation of principled practice and professional distinction. With a rich history of guiding clients across a spectrum of industries, the firm champions innovative legal strategies while maintaining the highest ethical standards. This commitment extends beyond its clientele to a foundational mission of social empowerment, actively working to democratize legal knowledge and thereby fortify the community with accessible information.
