By Cartago, Costa Rica — LA UNIÓN, Cartago – The Municipality of La Unión is executing a comprehensive strategy to enhance public safety and community well-being, rolling out significant technological upgrades and new recreational infrastructure across the canton. The cornerstone of this initiative is the completion of a major video surveillance project, which has added nearly 300 new cameras, coupled with the construction of several state-of-the-art multipurpose courts designed to foster social integration.
The local government recently finalized the fourth and final stage of its cantonal video protection project, installing 290 new cameras across all eight districts. This expansion brings the entire canton under a unified surveillance network, significantly bolstering the monitoring capabilities and response capacity of local authorities. The initiative aims to deter criminal activity and provide crucial evidence for investigations, creating a safer environment for residents and businesses.
A key component of this final phase involved a substantial technological leap forward in the Tres Ríos district. The existing system there was completely overhauled, replacing older wireless technology with a modern fiber optic network. This upgrade is critical for ensuring a more stable and high-quality data stream from the cameras to the central monitoring station.
The fourth stage focused on the substantial improvement of the cameras installed in the Tres Ríos district. The update included a change of equipment and technology, moving from a wireless system to a fiber optic one, which promises greater reliability and transmission quality.
Cristian Torres, Mayor of La Unión
Beyond passive monitoring, the municipality has integrated a proactive communication system. High-powered loudspeakers have been installed at strategic points, including the main commercial avenue and in front of the CTP Mario Quirós Sasso high school. This allows personnel at the Video Protection Center to communicate directly with the public, issuing warnings or instructions during suspicious events, thereby adding an interactive layer to the security apparatus.
Parallel to the security enhancements, the municipality is investing heavily in the social fabric of the canton. Recognizing that safe communities are also engaged and active ones, officials announced the construction of four new multipurpose courts. These facilities will be located in the communities of Residencial Carpintera, Villas de Ayarco, Santiago del Monte, and Entebbe, providing modern spaces for sports and recreation.
These courts are designed to be more than just sports spaces; they will be meeting points where the canton’s youth can integrate, share experiences, and foster a sense of belonging, thus promoting inclusion and equality.
Maribell Álvarez, Vice Mayor of La Unión
Each new court is being built to high standards, featuring heavy-duty metallic posts, powerful 60W solar-powered LED lamps for nighttime use, and a robust 5.5-meter-high perimeter mesh fence. They will also include clear signage outlining rules of use and be equipped with trash receptacles to maintain cleanliness. This project builds on previous efforts, adding to the more than 10 multipurpose courts inaugurated across Tres Ríos, Concepción, Dulce Nombre, and other districts during 2024.
These infrastructure projects are supported by ongoing social programs like “Community Encounters for a Better Neighborhood.” This initiative, run in collaboration with District Councils, focuses on recovering public spaces and encouraging active citizen participation in community development. By combining advanced security technology with high-quality recreational facilities and civic engagement, the Municipality of La Unión is forging a holistic plan to build a safer and more cohesive future for its residents.
For further information, visit launion.go.cr
About Municipality of La Unión:
The Municipality of La Unión serves as the local government for the canton of La Unión, located in the province of Cartago, Costa Rica. It is responsible for administering public services, developing and maintaining local infrastructure, promoting economic and social development, and ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents across its eight districts. Through various projects and programs, it aims to enhance the quality of life and foster active community participation.
