La Sabana Park, today one of San Jose Costa Rica’s most popular green spaces, has a fascinating history. Before it became the recreational park we know today, La Sabana was actually Costa Rica’s first international airport. This photo, which at one point was shared by Luis Palma on the Facebook page Fotografías antiguas de Costa Rica, offers a glimpse of how dramatically the landscape has changed over the years.
In the image, you can spot the old National Stadium, alongside the end of the airport’s runway. But what really stands out is the vast amount of vegetation and the almost complete absence of development in the surrounding area, which contrasts sharply with the urban landscape of San José today.
The La Sabana Airport officially opened in 1940, serving as the country’s primary gateway to international travel for several decades. However, as air travel grew in importance and demand, it became clear that the location wasn’t suitable for long-term use, especially as the capital city expanded. The airport was eventually replaced by Juan Santamaría International Airport, located in Alajuela, in the 1950s. By the late 1970s, the area began its transformation into the park we know today.
The old National Stadium, another key feature in the photo, was demolished in 2008 to make way for the construction of the modern stadium that was completed in 2011. The stadium, a gift from the Chinese government, has since become a central venue for major sporting events and concerts in Costa Rica.
Today, La Sabana Park is a bustling hub of activity, where locals and tourists alike can enjoy jogging, picnicking, and outdoor sports. The area surrounding the park is now a mix of residential and commercial developments, a far cry from the undeveloped landscape seen in the historical photograph.
This remarkable transformation from airport to urban oasis reflects the growth and modernization of San José over the past several decades.
