Parador Resort & Spa Supports Teatro Copaza In Quepos: First Cultural Theater For At-Risk Youth In Costa Rica

It’s a well known fact that Parador Resort & Spa is much more than just a world-class resort. Our commitment to the environment and community has earned us a fistful of awards and accolades, including Costa Rica’s highest 5 Leaf Sustainability ranking and, for the third consecutive year, the important Ecological Blue Flag.

Named “Costa Rica’s Leading Resort 2010” by the prestigious World Travel Awards, Parador’s support of numerous community and charitable groups takes equal standing to our dedication to our guests. As such, we have been intimately involved with Copaza, a regional non-profit organization diligently working towards improving the circumstances and opportunities for Costa Rica’s youth.

Of the many projects Copaza has spearheaded since its formation in 2007, the opening last year (2010) of Teatro Copaza here in the small fishing village of Quepos, stands out. As the first such cultural venture in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region, the theater introduces locals -- particularly kids -- to cultural performances from around the world while also serving as a prototype for similar undertakings throughout the country.

In addition to visiting performance troupes from San Jose, the US, Europe and Latin America, the theater offers art, music and dance classes to local children. Many programs are free, and for those that are not Copaza provides scholarships and other financial assistance for families with limited resources. The goal is to get kids off the street, away from drugs, violence and crime and to provide positive options and inspiration for a more fruitful and successful life.

Through its alliance with the Costa Rican National Theater and the Costa Rican North American Cultural Center in San Jose, Teatro Copaza has presented numerous cultural shows since its opening -- most recently The Juilliard Jazz Artist Diploma Ensemble. The Quepos project is overseen by a board of volunteers comprised of local business people (including Parador Executive Vice President/Managing Director Diego Gonzalez), tourism professionals, clergy, health, and education representatives, community leaders and concerned citizens who have taken on the challenge of fundraising, promotion and management of this model program.

Parador Resort & Spa is proud to host many visiting performers at our resort and to contribute towards promoting open minds and brighter futures for our nation’s youth.

Copaza (Association for the Prevention, Safety & Peace in the Canton of Aguirre) is a non-profit group dedicated towards preventing violence and providing employment and social opportunities – with a particular emphasis on at-risk kids– in the Aguirre region of Costa Rica. Through the implementation of cultural and sports programs and addressing employment and other public issues, Copaza’s goal is to create and promote viable, self-sustaining and peaceful communities.

Teatro Copaza is located in the Quepos Harbor behind the new Pez Vela Marina.

If you would like to make a donation you can do so in the following ways:
Parador guests can make a financial contribution through our “We Share Program” – just ask the folks at reception; or through Copaza's website www.copaza.org.