Certain pieces of real estate in San José aren’t for sale, though they might be considered among its most beautiful locations. The city boasts several parks that offer islands of calm and greenery amidst the noise and bus exhaust. These include Parque Nacional, Parque Central, Parque España, Parque Nicaragua, Parque Morazán, and Parque Sabana—the only large, wooded area in the city.
These parks are funded and maintained by the city, according to Teo Dinarte, a spokeswoman for the municipality of San José. Full-time city employees are responsible for cleaning, planting, and maintaining the greenery. However, Dinarte noted that these workers are often required to do more maintenance than necessary due to vandalism.
Vandalism Challenges in San José’s Parks
“Although we have security 24 hours a day, it’s impossible to stop the vandalism that occurs in the parks,” Dinarte told The Tico Times. “It is a very high cost for the city.” She explained that thieves often steal lights, plants, fences, and other items.
San José municipal police officers provide vigilance in the parks, said Eduardo Gúzman, chief of the San José command center Delta One. While Gúzman stated that no major incidents have occurred, vandalism remains the biggest problem. He also noted that some parks are frequented by prostitutes at night.
The only city park that is closed at night is Parque Sabana, the former national airport, as its lack of lighting creates a security risk, Gúzman said.
Activities and Attractions in San José’s Parks
Parque Sabana, managed by the Costa Rican Sports and Recreation Institute (ICODER), features soccer fields, basketball courts, and a trail that runs around its perimeter, making it a favorite spot for joggers and weekend soccer players. Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding or a Sunday picnic. Gúzman emphasized that there have been no security issues during the day at the park.
Parque Nacional, the largest park in downtown San José, is home to the National Monument, which commemorates Costa Rica’s victory over U.S. invader William Walker in Rivas, Nicaragua. The park offers shaded benches and a tranquil fountain, creating a serene atmosphere.
In contrast, Parque Morazán comes alive with the sound of hundreds of birds in the evenings. Meanwhile, Parque España, where children first sang Costa Rica’s National Anthem in 1903, features winding paths shaded by tall, mature trees.
Missing Play Equipment: A Family’s Perspective
While the parks provide natural beauty, none of them include play equipment, which is essential for families with young children. Frederick Markowski, an international lawyer and father of three, regularly takes his children, aged four, three, and one, on “park tours” throughout the Central Valley.
“We have a lot of demand for parks in our household,” Markowski said. His strategy involves driving around to explore different parks, spending 30 minutes at each before moving on to the next. “The next thing you know, it’s four o’clock,” he added.
Markowski has developed a habit of analyzing potential play sites from a child’s perspective, focusing on details like the “swing safety factor.” He noted, “When you’re one year old, swing safety factor is pretty important. The ones that tip over aren’t real popular.”
