San José is moving ahead with an ambitious urban transformation plan aimed at renewing emblematic public spaces, improving residents’ quality of life, and encouraging greater use of historic areas in the capital. The project, already underway, includes interventions in central plazas and parks with a focus on accessibility, safety, sustainability, and social activation.

Upgrades to Parque Central, Plaza de las Garantías Sociales, and Plaza González Víquez

The Municipality of San José has announced the implementation of a comprehensive plan to intervene in several public spaces in the heart of the city, including Parque Central, Plaza de las Garantías Sociales, and Plaza González Víquez. These areas, considered traditional meeting points for San José residents, will receive infrastructure improvements, lighting, green areas, and urban furniture to make them safer, more attractive, and more functional.

In Parque Central, approximately ₡648 million colones have been allocated for renovation, and the procurement process is already active in the public purchasing system. Planned works include improvements to green spaces, pedestrian access, and urban safety features.

Objectives of the intervention plan

San José’s mayor, Diego Miranda, stated that the primary objective of these interventions is to provide safer, more organized, and more functional environments for users, emphasizing the importance of strengthening urban presence in spaces that have traditionally served as centers of social interaction.

The plan not only seeks to beautify these areas but also to promote their use throughout more hours of the day. In this context, the Municipality also announced new lighting installations in La Sabana Metropolitan Park, with works scheduled to begin on May 15 and expected to last nine months, allowing the park to be used safely at night.

Plaza de las Garantías Sociales and Plaza González Víquez: comprehensive renovation

Plaza de las Garantías Sociales, located behind the Costa Rican Social Security headquarters, is set to undergo intervention with an estimated budget of over ₡1.015 billion colones. The project aims to create a more accessible, sustainable, and pedestrian-friendly environment.

Plaza González Víquez will also receive significant improvements. Although the procurement process has not yet started, an investment of over ₡2.2 billion colones is projected, including sidewalk renovation, improved lighting, the construction of an outdoor gym, a synthetic field, and the rehabilitation of sports areas.

Parque de la Paz and other recreational spaces

In addition to the projects mentioned, other spaces such as Parque de la Paz are also being upgraded to enhance their recreational and sports use under the management of the Costa Rican Institute of Sport and Recreation.

The historical and social role of these spaces

Parque Central is not merely a green area but a site of deep historical and cultural value for the capital. It has witnessed key moments in Costa Rica’s history since the 19th century and has evolved into an essential social and urban hub.

Its kiosk, built in 1944 and declared a Historical Architectural Heritage site, stands as a symbol of the city’s collective identity. The renovation plans aim to balance heritage preservation with modernization for contemporary public use.

Toward a more vibrant and accessible urban center

Through these improvements, San José is moving toward a more accessible, safer, and more attractive urban center, strengthening public spaces that foster social cohesion while adapting them to current community needs.

Sources

• Municipality of San José – Official announcements and public procurement records
• Costa Rican Public Procurement System (SICOP)
• Costa Rican Institute of Sport and Recreation (ICODER)
• Architectural Heritage Registry of Costa Rica
• Reporting by The Tico Times on urban renovation plans in San José