Public and private interests are joining forces to overhaul La Sabana Park (on the west side of San José) and turn it into something resembling a nature reserve.

The long-term plan would be to eliminate the non-native tree species that today make up about 70% of the forest and replace them with native fruit and flowering trees that would attract a vast variety of local wildlife.

At the same time, the footpaths and sports facilities will receive a facelift.

The plan comes at a time when four mixed-use high-rise condominium towers are under construction around the edge of the park, with more than a dozen others in the planning stages.

“The attractive thing about those projects is La Sabana Park,” said Osvaldo Pandolfo, the government's vice minister of health.

The overhaul will include financial support from Scotiabank, a Canadian bank that has been making a highly visible public relations offensive after completing the absorption of Banex late last year.

Scotiabank's headquarters are located near the northwest corner of the park.

“The purpose of this project is to restore the vegetation of the park and turn it into a forest with Costa Rica's own flora and fauna,” said Scotiabank Costa Rica CEO Luis Liberman. “We want Sabana to be a natural refuge.”

The technical side of the project would be carried out by the National Biodiversity Institute (INBio), a non-profit, non-governmental organization.

San José Mayor Johnny Araya was on hand at the press announcement yesterday to offer the Municipality's support as well.

So far, the project is still in the planning phase, and officials said it could take six to 10 years before any change becomes visible.