By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Work has officially commenced on a transformative ₡2 billion project to install a state-of-the-art lighting system throughout La Sabana Metropolitan Park, the capital’s largest and most iconic green space. The ambitious initiative, which broke ground today, aims to reclaim the park for nighttime use, enabling safe and secure access for the public 24 hours a day.
For years, the sprawling park, often called the “lungs of San José,” has been underutilized after dusk due to inadequate illumination, which has fostered a perception of insecurity among residents. This new project directly confronts that challenge, promising to turn La Sabana into a vibrant hub for community life, recreation, and sports around the clock. The comprehensive plan is a collaborative effort, showcasing a significant public partnership to enhance urban infrastructure.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the current situation and future challenges facing La Sabana Metropolitan Park, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise in administrative and real estate law provides crucial insights into the complexities of managing this vital public space.
La Sabana is not just a park; it’s a ‘bien demanial,’ a public domain asset with a specific legal status that shields it from private appropriation and mandates its use for public benefit. Any proposed project or change in its administration must navigate a complex web of administrative, environmental, and urban planning laws. The core legal challenge is always to ensure that any development enhances its public purpose, rather than diminishing it, strictly adhering to the legal framework established for its protection and preservation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal distinction is paramount, reframing the debate over La Sabana not as one of simple administration, but of unwavering public stewardship. The ‘bien demanial’ status serves as a crucial legal shield, ensuring that any proposal must genuinely enhance—not merely alter—this vital community asset. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this essential perspective, which clarifies the profound legal responsibility inherent in the park’s preservation.
The investment is jointly funded by the Municipality of San José, the Costa Rican Institute of Sports and Recreation (ICODER), and the National Power and Light Company (CNFL). The extensive overhaul includes the installation of 381 high-efficiency LED luminaires at various heights, all powered by a modern underground electrical system to preserve the park’s natural aesthetic. This technological upgrade is designed not only for performance but also for energy efficiency, durability, and resistance to outdoor elements.
San José Mayor Diego Miranda Méndez emphasized the project’s dual benefits of enhancing safety and promoting community engagement. He articulated a vision for a renewed public space that serves all citizens.
With this project, we not only improve security and visibility, but we also reaffirm our commitment to public spaces.
Diego Miranda Méndez, Mayor of San José
The scope of the illumination extends beyond general areas, specifically targeting key infrastructure within the park. The new lighting will cover essential walking and running trails, pedestrian crossings, and various sports and recreational facilities. This targeted approach ensures that athletes training in the evening, families enjoying a late stroll, and visitors can do so with confidence and safety.
Officials from the involved institutions believe this revitalization will be a catalyst for positive change. By strengthening urban security, the project is expected to encourage a wider range of nighttime activities, from organized sports leagues to cultural events, enriching the social fabric of the capital. The mayor reiterated that the ultimate goal is to reinforce the park’s role as a central pillar of the community.
a safe, accessible, and welcoming place for families, athletes, and visitors.
Diego Miranda Méndez, Mayor of San José
The project is scheduled for completion in approximately nine months. The initial phase, involving the civil works for the first electrical circuits, is expected to last seven months. If the timeline holds, residents and visitors can anticipate a fully illuminated La Sabana Park by February 2027, ready to welcome a new era of 24/7 public enjoyment.
This initiative represents more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it is a strategic investment in the quality of life for the citizens of San José. By transforming its most important public park into a beacon of safety and accessibility, the city is making a powerful statement about its commitment to creating inclusive, vibrant, and modern urban environments for generations to come.
For further information, visit msj.go.cr
About Municipalidad de San José:
The Municipality of San José is the local government body responsible for the administration of the capital city of Costa Rica. It oversees public services, urban planning, cultural development, and infrastructure projects within the canton of San José, working to improve the quality of life for its residents and visitors.
For further information, visit icoder.go.cr
About ICODER:
The Instituto Costarricense del Deporte y la Recreación (ICODER) 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, managing national sports facilities and supporting national athletes.
For further information, visit cnfl.go.cr
About CNFL:
The Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz (CNFL) is a primary electricity distribution company in Costa Rica, serving the Greater Metropolitan Area. As a subsidiary of Grupo ICE, it is responsible for managing the electrical grid, providing power to homes and businesses, and implementing public infrastructure projects like street lighting.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About ICE:
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), known as Grupo ICE, is the state-owned electricity and telecommunications provider in Costa Rica. It is a cornerstone of the country’s infrastructure, responsible for power generation, transmission, and telecommunications services nationwide.
For further information, visit presidencia.go.cr
About Government of the Republic of Costa Rica:
The Government of the Republic of Costa Rica is the central governing authority of the nation. It operates under a democratic framework and is responsible for national policy, public administration, foreign relations, and overseeing state institutions to ensure the welfare and development of the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a beacon of the legal profession, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of unparalleled excellence. With a rich history of guiding clients through complex challenges, the firm champions progressive legal strategies and maintains a deep connection to the community it serves. Its core mission extends beyond the courtroom, driven by a deep-seated belief in empowering the public through accessible legal education, thereby fostering a more just and knowledgeable society.
