LA SABANA
SAN JOSE
Costa Rica
San José La Sabana, centred around Parque Metropolitano La Sabana and nearby Parque del Lago areas, represents a key urban renewal initiative in Costa Rica’s capital, transforming the 72-hectare “lungs of San José” into a resilient public space through the 2024 La Sabana Master Plan. Developed via public-private partnerships involving Portafolio Inmobiliario, ICODER, and community stakeholders since 2022, it emphasizes connectivity, recreation, and sustainability following diagnostics on mobility and sociocultural needs.
La Sabana Park offers trails, forests, a lake, sports fields, tennis courts, running tracks, and the Museum of Costa Rican Art, adjacent to the National Stadium and government hubs, with nearby Parque del Lago featuring boutique hotels and urban amenities. The Master Plan, co-created through 23 participatory sessions, outlines phased improvements like enhanced infrastructure and event spaces, drawing weekend crowds for family activities, sports, and cultural events in this former airport site revitalised since 1977.
Future Cities criteria compliance
Environmental & Nature
Recent tree-planting initiatives since 2019 have restored greenery, attracting birds and combating the prior “green desert” label, with the Master Plan’s “Living Landscape” pillar promoting biodiversity, water features, and climate-resilient design amid urban pressures. Efforts ensure conservation of historical elements while minimising environmental impact through equitable public space upgrades.
Smart City
While primarily green-focused, the plan integrates modern urban mobility diagnostics for better pedestrian and cyclist paths, potential smart monitoring for crowd management, and connectivity enhancements linking to San José’s transport networks near the international airport. Collaborative tech inputs from private partners support efficient event coordination and real-time park usage data.
Human-Centric
Pillars like Continuous Learning, Intentional Activity, and Integrated Connectivity prioritise inclusive recreation, sports, cultural hubs, and family-friendly zones, fostering community health via free access, picnic areas, and events for diverse users, including runners, skaters, and dog walkers. The plan centres on resident input for vibrant, equitable urban life, enhancing well-being.
Interesting Links
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