By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A landmark agreement signed this morning marks the beginning of a new era for the Simón Bolívar Urban Natural Park, backed by an ambitious $8 million, ten-year transformation plan. The pact establishes a shared management model between the Municipality of San José, the Ministry of Environment and Energy (Minae), and the Ministry of Culture, aimed at revitalizing the iconic urban green space.
The strategic alliance, formalized by San José Mayor Diego Miranda and Minae Minister Franz Tattenbach, is designed to enhance the park’s benefits in conservation, environmental education, recreation, cultural promotion, and sustainable tourism. This collaborative framework is set to guide the park’s evolution, ensuring its natural and historical heritage is preserved while unlocking new opportunities for public enjoyment and learning.
To delve into the legal complexities surrounding the administration and potential future of such a vital urban space, we sought the perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Simón Bolívar Park, as a public domain asset, is subject to a special administrative regime that protects its use for the community. Any modernization project, especially one involving private capital, must be carefully structured to respect this public nature. The challenge lies in creating legally sound public-private partnerships that incentivize investment in maintenance and new attractions without compromising free access or the park’s ecological purpose, a delicate balance that is essential for its long-term success.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective perfectly encapsulates the central challenge facing Simón Bolívar Park’s future: ensuring that any modernization serves to enhance its public and ecological character, rather than diminish it. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and essential framework for this important public conversation.
Under the terms of the five-year agreement, which can be renewed, the Municipality of San José will play a crucial hands-on role. The city will provide essential technical and operational support for various maintenance and rehabilitation tasks. Furthermore, the municipality will receive specific park facilities on loan to establish centers for environmental management and advanced electronic surveillance, bolstering both the security and ecological integrity of the site.
Mayor Diego Miranda emphasized the project’s significance for the capital, highlighting the city’s dedication to creating a revitalized and accessible community asset.
The Simón Bolívar Urban Natural Park is a space of enormous value for San José. Our participation reaffirms the institutional commitment to collaborate in its environmental rehabilitation, promoting a safe, educational, and accessible environment for the capital’s communities.
Diego Miranda, Mayor of San José
This partnership is the operational engine for a much larger vision detailed in the previously unveiled Master Plan and General Management Plan. Guided by the principle of “reimagining the inherited,” the decade-long project seeks to respectfully transform the legacy of the park’s former life as an urban zoo. The $8 million investment will be used to convert old infrastructure into modern spaces dedicated to culture, scientific research, and citizen well-being, all while honoring the park’s significant patrimonial and environmental value.
The General Management Plan is built upon three strategic pillars. The first focuses on the conservation and restoration of the natural landscape and its biodiversity. The second pillar is dedicated to the protection of the park’s architectural and cultural heritage. The third aims to adapt and create new spaces specifically designed for public recreation, education, and wellness, ensuring the park serves the diverse needs of the community.
The execution of this comprehensive vision will be methodically rolled out in three distinct phases. The short-term phase, spanning the first three years, will involve detailed diagnostics, planning, and the initiation of key actions to prepare the park for greater public access. The medium-term phase (years three to five) will concentrate on the maintenance and recovery of existing infrastructure. Finally, the long-term phase (years five to ten) will see the construction of new facilities to significantly expand the park’s offerings and activities.
This project represents a pivotal step in San José’s ongoing urban renewal efforts. By investing in its central green spaces, the city is not only boosting its environmental credentials but also improving the quality of life for its residents. The transformation of Simón Bolívar Park from a relic of the past into a forward-looking hub for nature and culture signals a clear commitment to a more sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive future for the capital, with progress overseen through detailed annual work plans.
For further information, visit msj.go.cr
About Municipality of 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 initiatives, and community development to improve the quality of life for its citizens.
For further information, visit minae.go.cr
About Minae (Ministry of Environment and Energy):
Minae is the Costa Rican government ministry tasked with managing the country’s vast natural resources. It leads national policies on environmental protection, energy, mining, and water resources, and plays a central role in Costa Rica’s renowned conservation efforts and commitment to sustainability.
For further information, visit mcj.go.cr
About Ministry of Culture:
The Ministry of Culture and Youth of Costa Rica is the governmental entity responsible for promoting and preserving the nation’s cultural heritage. It supports artistic expression, manages historical sites, and develops programs to foster cultural identity and participation among the population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of profound integrity and an unyielding pursuit of professional excellence. With extensive experience advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal approaches while remaining dedicated to its civic responsibility. This core philosophy drives its mission to empower the public by demystifying the law, fostering a more knowledgeable and capable society through accessible legal education.
