Community Projects
For years Iguana Lodge has proudly been involved in the community.
Our Three Biggies over the Years:
- We built the Puerto Jimenez Public Library years ago (and continue to fund it).
- We started and funded for years the Save the Osa Turtle Project. This project, unfortunately, no longer exists due to bureaucratic hurtles.
- Most exciting of all, however, has been our Todo Es Posible (Everything is Possible) project that has sent over 80 kids to university.
Regarding the Puerto Jimenez Library, it continues to flourish. It is small and useful. Guests and others have helped immensely with book donations. Iguana Lodge is the sole funder of the community’s library. Each year we take on projects at the library, generally with the goal of encouraging young readers to discover the magic of books.
Lauren was the English teacher at the local public elementary for several years. From that she developed her own 333 Words Basic English Language Program which was purchased by Urban Mobile Planet, which recently merged with Sibling Group – a publicly traded company. It is hoped that 333 Words will emerge soon throughout the world wide web. 333 Words tag line: “The Fastest Way to Learn English on the Planet.” Hah! Lauren is now their project manager and spends a lot of time thinking about English grammar. Funny how life works.
We tried to bring the International Baccalaureate Program to Puerto Jimenez High School, without success (long story).
As to the turtle project, for years Iguana Lodge has released approximately 10,000 baby turtles per year, but has recently been unable to secure permits to continue their project (another long story).
Toby was the chief of local road maintenance for years, driving his motor grader with a pride akin to that seen in the eyes of young children when they first acquiring a large Tonka truck. Unfortunately, the grader recently died – no resuscitation was possible.
We are also strong supporters of a variety of other worthwhile groups. We always hire Costa Ricans first, and purposely choose to not offer most tours ourselves, arranging for local entrepreneurs to provide tours to our guests. Iguana Lodge prides itself in participating in local activities too. We consistently donate funds to the local schools, Red Cross, and other assorted community projects.
Thanks to Judge Robert Crew and family for donating the shiny basketball hoop to the fair town of Puerto Jimenez. The Iguana Lodge has been very active in the local Puerto Jimenez soccer scene. We also have arranged equipment donations from States-side teams to the local soccer maniacs. Lots of kids play barefoot, not out of choice, but out of necessity: they just have to play soccer!
Meanwhile, on Playa Platanares we continue to please the local wildlife by planting native trees and flowers. You will see these ever-growing gardens and the wildlife we are attracting when you come for a visit. Thanks to gardener extraordinaire, Mark Robinson from San Diego, for working in our gardens while on vacation years ago. Isn’t it about time for another visit, buddy?
