Those from cold climates may be reminded of a Zamboni machine inching along ice when they see it, but a giant new machine at the central Pacific beach of Jacó will instead sweep the sand in an effort to beautify this popular tourist destination.

Members of the Jacó community are excited to break in their new machine, called “the Beach King,” today during a ceremony with special guest Tourism Minister Carlos Benavides and Garabito Mayor Marvin Elizondo, according to a statement from the event's organizers.

This tractor-like green giant pulls a yellow machine behind it that drags along the beach picking up the garbage that's become a common eyesore at this heavily trafficked beach, where slews of high-rise condominiums going up in all directions suggest even more visitors to come.

Another small machine will weave around trees to pick up smaller garbage, and a crew of four workers have been employed to pick up big debris, such as logs and tires, that the machines can't handle, according to Christina Truitt, co-director of the Central Pacific Chamber of Commerce, which worked with local businesses and the Garabito Municipality to get the project going (TT, Aug. 24).

The $82,000 beach-cleaning machine, which is the only one of its kind in Central America, was donated to the chamber by DayStar Properties, the developer of Diamante del Sol condominiums, according to the statement.

“We're psyched about it,” Truitt said. “It will make our beach look really manicured and groomed.”

The inauguration ceremony is scheduled to take place at 9 a.m. today in front of the Best Western Hotel.