Community Spirit in Paradise: Ojochal Celebrates New Police Station

By Osa Tropical Properties, Real Estate Specialists for Costa Rica's Southern Zone

In a celebration of community collaboration, Ojochal recently welcomed the reopening of its local police station with Minister of Security Mario Zamora in attendance. This achievement showcases the exceptional community spirit that makes Costa Rica's Southern Zone such a remarkable place to live and invest.

The ribbon cutting ceremony with long-time Ojochal resident, Jonny Morales, the president of Ojochal's ADI, Jorge Herrera, and Costa Rica's Minister of Security, Mario Zamora.

A Community That Takes Care of Its Own

The Southern Zone, encompassing the idyllic coastal towns of Ojochal, Uvita, and Dominical, is known for its stunning natural beauty and strong sense of community. What truly sets this region apart is the genuine connection between residents—locals and expatriates alike—who share a commitment to maintaining the area's peaceful character.

Rebecca Rowntree, a long-time resident, shares her experience: "I've lived here over 10 years, have never felt unsafe or had any unsavory interaction with anyone attempting an illegal act against my person or property, either personally or with my business. For me, I act with the same common sense I lived with in Canada, I lock my doors, I live a modest and respectful lifestyle, friendly and helpful to all folks I meet, including the person I recently assisted with filling his flat tire with air, who incidentally turned out to be one of the new officers in his personal vehicle. To me Ojochal has no more petty crime than any of the towns I ever lived in, in Canada."

"There is a sense of community here where you feel like your neighbors and those around you are looking out for you, and it compels you to do the same for others," notes Alexandra Luty of the Osa Tropical Properties team. Our entire team has lived here for a decade or more, drawn by the region's natural beauty and the authentic relationships that define daily life.

Realtor Richard Owens highlights a particularly telling point about life in the Southern Zone: "I know many single women who own homes in Costa Rica, which isn't common elsewhere in the world. Women come here to retire because they feel safe in their homes and welcomed by the community." This speaks volumes about the comfort level and quality of life residents experience.

What makes the South Pacific region of Costa Rica so special is the safety that we feel in our everyday lives and in our investment in this country, which is fully-titled ownership, and with plenty of growth potential thanks to the increasing popularity of this sensationally beautiful coastal region.

Minister of Security Recognizes Community Achievement

Minister Mario Zamora chose Ojochal for a particularly meaningful occasion—the second anniversary of his appointment as Minister of Security. Rather than celebrate in the capital, he joined our coastal community to recognize this grassroots achievement.

Costa Rica's Minister of Security, Mario Zamora, in front of Ojochal's new police force.

"I have the honor of completing two years in the position of Minister of Security, and what better commemoration than to be here in Ojochal de Osa, reinaugurating a police station that is strategic for the Central Pacific of our country," Zamora stated during the inauguration.

The newly staffed station, with 12 officers and a patrol vehicle, enhances services for the 30,000 residents in the district and the thousands of visitors who explore our beautiful coastline each year.

How Neighbors Became Partners in Progress

Brianne Ribson Sturk, President of Ojochal's Security Council (CSCO), shared the remarkable story of how residents transformed a community vision into reality. The journey began in May 2023 with the formation of the Ojochal Security Committee, leading to a series of productive steps:

• August 2023: Vice Minister of Security Eric Lacayo Rojas met with community members and local officials, pledging support for the police station reopening.
• November-December 2023: Official inspections and planning began in earnest.
• February 2024: The community mobilized to obtain construction quotes and established a donation account.
• March 2024: Lieutenant Gilberth Valverde and his officers joined the effort, with local businesses contributing services.
• April 2024: Major renovations were completed, including accessibility improvements.

In less than a year, this united community raised over ₡8 million (approximately $15,000) and transformed a dormant building into a fully functional police station. This achievement perfectly illustrates the spirit of collaboration that defines life in Costa Rica's Southern Zone.

Ojochal's newly inaugurated police station.

A Strategic Investment in Community Well-Being

For investors, Ojochal's community-led initiative represents a compelling advantage. The station's location creates a well-connected network along the coastal corridor, with stations in Cortés, Ojochal, and Uvita ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Jorge Herrera, President of the local Development Association, noted: "This station is very important to us since the next station is up in Cortés and the other in Uvita, so this is like the midpoint. Ojochal is a very large community with different nationalities and very active development, which is why this station is of great importance for the community."

More impressive than the physical infrastructure is what the project reveals about the community itself. The successful fundraising effort and volunteer contributions demonstrate the strength of local relationships and commitment to shared well-being—qualities that help maintain property values and enhance quality of life.

Embracing the Pura Vida Lifestyle

Residents of Ojochal enjoy the quintessential Costa Rican "pura vida" lifestyle while practicing common-sense approaches to community well-being. Sturk offers these simple tips for new residents:

• Community Connection: Get to know your neighbors and join local communication groups.
• Home Care: Arrange for house-sitting when traveling for extended periods.
• Lighting: Use pathway lighting to enhance nighttime visibility and beauty.
• Stay Connected: Join neighborhood WhatsApp groups to stay informed about local events and updates.
• Pet Adoption: Consider adopting a companion from the local shelter, El Refugio, which offers both permanent and foster options for visitors.

A Model of Collaborative Community Development

The reopening of Ojochal's police station beautifully illustrates how community engagement, governmental partnership, and strategic planning create thriving communities. As Minister Zamora noted during the inauguration, "Security is everyone's business"—and in Costa Rica's Southern Zone, "everyone's business" means neighbors working together to enhance quality of life.

For those considering investment in this spectacular region, Ojochal's example provides reassurance that residents here are proactive, engaged, and committed to preserving what makes this area special. The collaboration between the Fuerza Pública, the Municipality of Osa, and the Integral Development Association has created not just a building, but a model for how tourism-dependent communities can work together effectively.

As Ojochal continues to grow as a destination for both visitors and permanent residents, this foundation of community cooperation will undoubtedly contribute to its sustainable development and investment appeal.

For those interested in contributing to Ojochal's community initiatives, the Security Committee can be contacted at comitedeseguridadojochal@gmail.com or through their Facebook page: CSCO de Osa.

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Osa Tropical Properties specializes in Costa Rica's Southern Zone real estate, with particular expertise in Ojochal and surrounding communities. For more information about investment opportunities in this emerging market, contact sales@osatropicalproperties.com