The Government doesn’t have funds for a new National Gymnasium, yet wants to demolish the current one.
The Costa Rican Institute of Sports and Recreation (Icoder) requested a permit to tear down the 62-year-old building that’s located in the southeast corner of La Sabana Metropolitan Park. The Icoder requested endorsement for the demolition from the Heritage Center because it’s located within a park that is Architectural Historical Heritage.
The Heritage Center denied the permit on November 10, because “the works to be carried out constitute the irreversible destruction of a historical architectural asset.” This decision has been appealed and is being analysed by the Ministry of Culture.
Plans for the new proposed gym are registered with the Federated College of Engineers and Architects. It would cost ₡18,600 million. It would measure 21,680 square meters. The current one is 2,548 meters. Many sports federations fight over space at the gym because so many disciplines use it. It’s also used for business, musical, political, and circus activities.
