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Chopping Down the Guanacaste Tree in the Heart of Nicoya Outrages Many
Minicipalidad said that tree impeded construction of the new plaza

By Arianna McKinney

Proyecto de la nueva plaza colonial/ Designs for new Plaza in Nicoya (Foto Alcaldia de Nicoya)

The broad leafy branches of a Guanacaste tree that provided shade for decades in Nicoya's park in front of the historic colonial church has been chopped down, saddening many for the loss of a tree that symbolizes the culture of Guanacaste and Costa Rica.

For example, Mey Obando commented, “They tore out one of Nicoya’s lungs,” on the social network Facebook page of the “Alcaldia de Nicoya.”

“Progress shouldn’t come by means of destroying but rather building, and if you don’t see more than a simple tree, you shouldn’t be called Nicoyan,” commented Christian Romero Arroyo, making reference to the project currently underway to build a new plaza in front of the church. “This country is sold to the world as being an ecological and green country!!! Now where will the green in this project be besides the moss that will grow on the square when it rains? You and I both know how hot it gets in Nicoya and the trees are an important part of the environmental balance. If we put more cement, it creates more heat,” he added.

These are just two of more than 75 comments left on the mayor’s Facebook page.

According to Mayor Marco Jimenez, the tree was in the way as the municipality, in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism, initiated a project to build a Colonial Square in the area of the church and the Recaredo Briceño Park, a project that will cost 144 million colones ($288,000). “The tree impeded our construction of the plaza; in addition because it presents a danger to the infrastructure and human security,” the mayor declared.

Guanacaste tree before it was cut down

The Guanacaste tree was cut down during the first hours in the morning of
Sunday November 11.

Since the land where the tree was located belongs to the Catholic Diocese of Tilaran, the mayor indicated that they requested permission from Marvin Sanchez, the priest of the colonial church, who later requested permission from Minaet.

Gerardo Martinez, in charge of the Nicoya office of Minaet, affirmed that permission was granted to cut the tree down because it was causing damage to the structure of neighboring houses, pavement of sidewalks and public roads and sewage pipes. He also noted that the tree presented a risk that branches could fall in a heavily frequented site. When asked if there was an alternative to cutting down the tree, Martinez explained that neighbors had been asking to cut the tree down for some time and that nothing could be built in the area because of the tree’s roots.

Priest Sanchez could not be reached for comment.

More Community News

Consumer Commission Fines Samara Hotel for Not Including Taxes in Advertisement

The Technical Support Unit for the National Consumer’s Commission has issued a fine to the hotel “Villas Playa Samara,” for alleged false advertising.

New Nicoya Library Inaugurated

Nicoyans came out by the dozens to celebrate, together with teachers, students and stakeholders, the inauguration of a new library for the city this past Thursday November 15th.

Families Inside Refuge in Peladas Can Get Hooked Up to Water Service

On Tuesday, November 13th, neighbors that live within the refuge area of Playa Peladas started digging trenches to install water pipes, with help from AyA and the Nosara Development Association.

Letter to the Editor
A Story About Nosara's Beach Attack Dogs

It was after the attack by a large black dog that bit the back of my sandal as I tried to pedal my bicycle faster that I decided I was not going to be the hunted anymore. I had been chased a half dozen times and I was going to fight back! So I armed myself with a stick.

Google More Popular than Books at School Libraries
MEP Aims to Transform School Libraries into Resource Centers

The Google Internet search engine has become the best friend of students when doing homework. Since the speed of searching for content in digital texts is more comfortable for students than hunting amongst various books for the information they need, the number of visits made to school libraries has decreased notably.

Santo Domingo’s New ASADA Board Considering Options for More Water

Santo Domingo finally has a new board of directors for their ASADA (Water Administration Association), and the new board will continue efforts to obtain a new water source that can supply the community with sufficient water during dry season.

New Police Patrol Vehicle Already Damaged
Nosara Development Association Requested that the Driver be Transferred

Just after President Laura Chinchilla’s visit to Nicoya for the Annexation Celebration on July 25th, Noasra received a brand new patrol vehicle, giving a facelift to the appearance of the Nosara Public Force.

CREAR Hosts Club for Samara Kids

After giving the park in Cantarrana a facelift, CREAR now hosts Kid’s Club there Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Each day has a theme.

The Woman who Survived the Aftershocks of Criticism

On September 5th, when the municipal building started shaking and glass started falling around her, Vice Mayor Adriana Rodriguez Cardenas knew this was it: the big earthquake that had been predicted.

Unsung Heroes of the Earthquake

Moved by the stressful situations of many families after the September 5th earthquake, several locals have stepped up to offer their time and their resources to help.

Tune into Radio Samara

Samara now has its own internet-based radio station, known as Radio Samara, with two local radio personalities using the on-air names of Raul and Dave (not their real names). The radio station was launched at the beginning of September with 30 days of nonstop music with no repeats and no commercials.