Parque Desarrollo Humano Alajuelita | Costa Rica

First Phase of the Alajuelita Human Development Park (Completed)

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ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Alajuelita Human Development Park is an inclusive 8-hectare urban space inaugurated in 2023, designed to promote recreation, sports, social interaction, and community development. Located in Tejarcillos, the project benefits more than 97,000 people through accessible and sustainable infrastructure that includes:

1.9 km of pedestrian, bicycle, and mixed-use pathways
Six plazas and three pedestrian bridges
Stormwater drainage systems, potable water systems for drinking fountains, and lighting systems
Asphalt-paved vehicle parking areas
A multi-purpose court for futsal, basketball, and volleyball (ICODER standards)
A three-level skatepark

The park was conceived under a comprehensive approach focused on social inclusion, accessibility, and gender equality, incorporating features such as tactile paving for visually impaired persons and actions aimed at creating safer, more diverse, and accessible spaces for everyone. In addition, women played a central role in the development of the project through gender awareness initiatives, prevention of street sexual harassment, and the promotion of more equitable conditions within the construction site.

UNOPS’ ROLE

UNOPS was responsible for design review and certification, the tendering process, contract management, and comprehensive construction supervision. Its support included quality control, environmental, social, and health management, as well as occupational safety supervision.

In addition, UNOPS promoted an ongoing social management process to strengthen community participation and ownership of the park. As part of the project’s inclusive approach, it also promoted initiatives focused on gender equality and the creation of safe spaces, including awareness training and measures against street sexual harassment at the construction site.