Okayama Park

The Okayama Park is an urban space located in the district of San Francisco de Dos Ríos, in the canton of San José, Costa Rica in the suburbs of the city of the same name, capital of the Republic. The project was carried out by the Costa Rican architect Mayela Fallas.

Reason

Okayama Park was made to commemorate 30 years of brotherhood between the cities of San José and Okayama, in Japan. The Japanese city contributed to the design of the park, based on Okayama Park in Japan, and also gave a statue of Momotarô, which was placed at the top of the park.

The new park was located on the old site of the La Pacifica soccer plaza, and it is worth noting that the largest tree that existed in said plaza was respected in the new design, which is why it still adorns the landscape today. urban community.

History

The development of the park was planned for the beautification and modernization of the outskirts of San José. The project was approved in the local government of the Municipality of San José, which Johnny Araya Monge served as mayor (2002-2006) and supported by the central government of the Republic in the Pacheco de la Espriella administration. The Mayor of San José was interested in the idea of building a park in San Francisco, which would be of great importance to the residents of the area. Formerly, the land was a vacant lot in the municipality of San José, dirty and which served as a den for the homeless.

The municipality of Okayama asked the municipal mayor of San José that as a gift to celebrate 30 years of brotherhood, they were going to donate the construction of a monument or space that would be the symbol of the brotherhood between both cities, so it was where the municipal council of San José decided to build it on the land that was unoccupied in the San Francisco de Dos Ríos sector.

The park was inaugurated on May 1, 2002 with the visit of the Okayama delegation and the municipal mayor's office of San José.

Architectural design

Since its creation is due to Okayama's ties with the Costa Rican capital, the park was designed based on the principles of Feng Shui, and the park of said Japanese city.

The north of the park was reserved for a dirt soccer field, with goals and dimensions designed especially for children to play there. The wall that separates the park from the small group of houses that are located on the north side of the quadrant where the park is located (the park occupies 90% of the block) was intended for urban art, specifically graffiti, which constitutes a pioneering initiative in this field, since such an urban demonstration has always been considered a countercultural act.

Then there is a children's play area, including swings, see-saws, handrails and others, which were mostly made of seasoned wood. This prevents them from heating up during the day (so common in metal games), and prevents injuries to children (such as cuts or bumps).

Later there is a bridge-tunnel, a white stone garden, and a wooden and bamboo kiosk. Next is the pond and the amphitheater, which has a seated capacity of about 100 people.

Finally, there is a small hill, where there are fountains and from where the waterfall that flows into the pond originates. It is also on the mound where the statue of Momotarō is located. Behind this mound is a green esplanade, which serves as the southern access to the park.

Use

It is very visited on weekends, on the nights of almost any day that it does not rain (it has full lighting), and in the dry season at all hours, during student vacations. Although in general it is not widely accepted to drink liquor in public areas, this is one of the points in Costa Rica where it is allowed (not by law, but by social acceptance), similar to Calle de la Amargura, the parties de Zapote and others. Incidents caused by this situation have never been recorded. The park also serves as a taxi area, and around it, commerce has grown and new businesses have opened.

The peculiarity of the place has also been used on various occasions to film commercial advertisements. Additionally, both religious activities and concerts are held in the park.

Curiosities

• Many people also call him "Chinese Park", for the wrong habit of equating Chinese tradition with Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and similar. Also, next to Parque Morazán there was a Chinese park with curved bridge, pond and ducks.

• It's very visited especially at night. This is because at this time all family members are already together, or more time is available for recreation activities. However, on the holidays of students, and in summer, it is attended at all times.