Simón Bolívar Park in San José will become the country’s first Urban Natural Park. The project, led by the Friends of Nature Association of the Central and Southern Pacific, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The former zoo has been transformed into a landscape rich in woodland, wildlife, aquatic ecosystems, architectural and cultural legacy, and recreational areas. The initiative aims to repair and safeguard Simón Bolívar Urban Natural Park.
Within one to three years, the diagnostic and planning phases are expected to be finished and made public. However, it will take five to ten years to properly create new infrastructure.
Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy, stated that transforming a former state zoo into the Greater Metropolitan Area’s first Urban Natural Park is a significant milestone.
“Not only does it reflect this administration’s commitment to animal protection, but it is also the outcome of collaborative efforts between local and national governments. It also contains a unique cultural and heritage circuit in the heart of San José for residents to enjoy. “We have worked hard with partners from various sectors to protect and restore this environmental and cultural treasure,” he stated.
The Simón Bolívar Park, located in the Carmen neighborhood, spans 2.63 hectares and is part of the Río Torres Interurban Biological Corridor. Since its first debut in 1921, the area has changed and adapted to various conceptions of what society considers to be a space for relaxation and engagement with nature.
The site still retains original parts that allow its history to be rebuilt, and as a result, the Ministry of Culture and Youth has chosen a circuit of high historical and heritage value that will serve as a new highlight for visitors to enjoy.
The Simón Bolívar Urban Natural Park’s General Management Plan provides recommendations for its administration and management over the next ten years.
According to government officials, the phrase “Reinterpreting our heritage” inspired the proposal for the new infrastructure, which focuses on utilizing previous construction and adapting the spaces with a fresh, modern approach while also respecting the site’s historical legacy.
“The historic cages that originally housed animals will be converted into recreational, educational, and artistic exhibition areas. The Minister of Culture and Youth, Jorge Rodríguez Vives, aims to revitalize these communities by encouraging innovation, cultural activities, and community gatherings, which will help the local economy recover.
The overall investment, which includes operations and new infrastructure, is anticipated to be $8 million.
