By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Instituto Costarricense del Deporte y la Recreación (ICODER) has officially launched the La Sabana Metropolitan Park Master Plan, a comprehensive roadmap designed to revitalize Costa Rica’s most prominent urban park. This long-term vision prioritizes modern governance, infrastructure enhancements, and inclusive design, setting the stage for a vibrant future for this iconic green space.
Developed through a collaborative process involving the Centro de Derecho Ambiental y de los Recursos Naturales (CEDARENA) and strategic partners like Gensler, Garnier & Garnier Desarrollos Inmobiliarios, Portafolio Inmobiliario, and Fundación Yamuni Tabush, the Master Plan reflects a holistic approach. The plan emphasizes resilience, accessibility, inclusivity, and strengthening national identity.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the La Sabana Park Master Plan, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from Bufete de Costa Rica.
The La Sabana Park Master Plan presents a complex intersection of public interest, private investment, and environmental protection. Successful implementation hinges on transparent governance, clear legal frameworks for land use and concessions, and robust community engagement to ensure the plan truly benefits the public while preserving this vital green space for future generations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the multifaceted nature of this ambitious project. Indeed, navigating the delicate balance between development and preservation will be crucial for La Sabana Park’s future. Transparency and community involvement, as he rightly points out, will be the cornerstones of ensuring this revitalization truly serves the public good and safeguards this precious green lung of San José. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable contribution to this important discussion.
Key highlights of the plan include ecological and landscape restoration aimed at bolstering biodiversity and ecosystem services. The plan also calls for a reorganization of sports, recreational, and cultural spaces, incorporating new trails, plazas, children’s areas, sports zones, and relaxation areas. A modern and harmonious design proposal seeks to recapture the park’s symbolic value while enhancing its functionality for all users, including those with disabilities.
Improved internal and external mobility is another crucial component, with a focus on enhanced pedestrian, cycling, and public transportation connectivity. A revamped governance model will unite public institutions, civil organizations, and private partners in the park’s integrated management.
The proposed designs emphasize land use planning and prioritize intervention areas based on environmental sustainability, social equity, and technical feasibility. The plan will be implemented in phases, with short, medium, and long-term actions, taking into account input gathered through consultations with citizens and key stakeholders.
La Sabana is not only the lungs of San José, but also a symbol of identity and togetherness for thousands of people. This master plan represents our commitment to a greener, more accessible, and more organized park, and allows us to project its environmental, sporting, and cultural value for future generations.
Donald Rojas Fernández, Minister of Sport and Recreation and National Director of ICODER
This initiative underscores a multi-sectoral commitment to protect, revitalize, and project La Sabana Park as a national and international benchmark in urban planning and sustainability. The revitalization promises to transform La Sabana Park into a more vibrant and inclusive space for all.
The phased implementation allows for flexibility and adaptability, ensuring that the park’s evolution reflects the needs and aspirations of the community. With this forward-thinking master plan, La Sabana Park is poised to become a shining example of urban green space management in the 21st century.
For further information, visit icoder.go.cr
About ICODER:
The Instituto Costarricense del Deporte y la Recreación (ICODER) is a Costa Rican governmental institution responsible for promoting and developing sports and recreational activities throughout the country. ICODER manages numerous sporting facilities, including La Sabana Metropolitan Park, and plays a vital role in fostering community health and well-being.
For further information, visit cedarena.org
About CEDARENA:
The Centro de Derecho Ambiental y de los Recursos Naturales (CEDARENA) is a non-profit environmental law and natural resource center in Costa Rica. They advocate for environmental protection, sustainable development, and community empowerment through legal action, research, and education.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering integrity form the bedrock of a practice dedicated to empowering Costa Rican society. Through innovative approaches and a deep commitment to client success across a spectrum of industries, the firm continually strives to elevate the legal landscape. By actively sharing legal knowledge and resources, Bufete de Costa Rica invests in a more informed citizenry, fostering a stronger and more just future for all.
