Blog 2. Smoother Roads Ahead: Latest Guiones Norte Update
The North Guiones Road Committee (NGRC) is currently at the heart of a transformative journey to improve the roads and infrastructure in North Guiones, in Nosara, Costa Rica. PVM had the privilege to interview Dian Lindsay, long time Nosara resident and NGRC committee President whose efforts alongside with the North Guiones community have been instrumental in creating a positive snowball effect, one that could continue to spread throughout the community. This blog post takes you to a closer look at who they are, what they’re doing, where exactly the project is, its estimated time of completion, how they’re making a difference, and why their mission matters.
I. Who is Behind the NGRC?
Dian, a Costa Rica native who returned to North Guiones decades ago to raise her family, is one of the driving forces behind the NGRC. “I bought my first property here in 1999,” Dian shared, adding:
“We’ve seen how the roads impact our community’s daily life, and it became clear that something needed to change.”
The NGRC began as a small group of neighbors pooling resources and ideas for road repairs. Today, it has evolved into a formalized committee with 13 dedicated members, working together to create lasting change.
The committee is not just a team but a reflection of the community it serves. “Everybody in North Guiones has been on the same line as us, and it’s the collaboration of all our neighbors that makes this possible.” Dian emphasized, underscoring that their work is a collective endeavor involving North Guiones Neighbors, the NGRC, Municipality of Nicoya, Terratour Nosara, and the Desarrollo Integral de Esperanza, a local non profit entity with a formal tax exemption status that partnered with the NGRC allowing savings on sales tax for material purchases.
II. What is the NGRC Doing?
The NGRC’s mission is straightforward: to improve and maintain the roads in North Guiones, making them more durable, flood-resistant, and accessible for residents and visitors alike. This mission grew out of years of temporary fixes and stopgap measures that failed to address the underlying issues. “We decided to pursue permanent solutions after seeing how short-term fixes didn’t last.” Dian explained. The committee’s work includes securing materials, collaborating with the local municipality for labor and equipment, and managing donations and community funds to finance large-scale infrastructure projects.
One of their key initiatives involves bricking roads—a more durable solution to the area’s muddy, flood-prone pathways. Dian shared:
“We’ve brought in river-sourced materials, dug out ditches, and partnered with the municipality to get these roads ready for heavy rains”
The NGRC’s comprehensive approach extends beyond bricking to include drainage improvements, making roads safer and more sustainable.
III. When Did the NGRC Begin Their Work?
The NGRC’s story began years ago with informal neighbor-led efforts. However, their journey took a major step forward in 2019 when the committee formally registered roads with the Nicoya Municipality. “It took two years of working through bureaucracy and even the challenges of COVID-19.” Dian noted. Their persistence paid off, as this critical step allowed them to collaborate officially with local authorities and secure municipal support.
IV. Where is the NGRC Active?
The NGRC’s current focus is in North Guiones, one of many areas plagued by challenging road conditions, particularly during the rainy season. The committee’s work spans from the Community Skate Park to Corky Carroll’s Surf School, addressing major access points and pathways frequently used by residents and visitors.
“Our goal is to create a model that other neighborhoods can follow.”
Dian said, expressing hope that the NGRC’s success will inspire similar efforts in neighboring Guiones sections and into Playa Pelada.
V. How is the NGRC Achieving Its Goals?
Collaboration is the cornerstone of the NGRC’s approach. The committee has established a public-private partnership with the municipality of Nicoya, under which the community provides materials and the municipality contributes labor and heavy machinery alongside with local Heavy Equipment company, Terratour Nosara.
“There’s a lot of paperwork and coordination, but once we learned the system, we saw that it could work.”
Dian explained. This model has allowed the NGRC to make substantial progress despite limited resources.
Fundraising has played a vital role in community improvement. In recent years, the community has raised over $60,000 for essential road repairs, including $30,000 in 2019 and another $30,000 this last year. This effort was matched by the Municipality of Nicoya with a $60,000 contribution. Currently, the community is focused on a separate $450,000 project for bricking and further drainage improvements. Creative initiatives like selling engraved bricks are being introduced to help close funding gaps. “We’re offering engraved bricks with family or business names to create a walkway to the beach.” Dian shared. “It’s a great way to commemorate everyone’s contributions.”
This investment will further enhance the community's resilience and overall quality of life.
VI. Why is the NGRC’s Work Important?
The NGRC’s efforts are about more than just better roads—they’re about strengthening community resilience and fostering a sense of unity. Flooding has been a persistent challenge in North Guiones, and throughout Nosara in general, damaging homes and making roads impassable.
“We’ve dealt with major flooding for years.”
Dian said. “Digging out ditches and working with the municipality on better drainage has been crucial.” By tackling these issues, the committee is improving safety, accessibility, and quality of life for all residents.
Dian also highlighted the importance of community collaboration. “It’s not just one person’s work—it’s a collaboration of great, beautiful people coming together,” she reflected. The NGRC’s model of neighbor-driven action, combined with strategic partnerships, serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when a community unites to solve its own problems.
VII. Looking Ahead: Expanding the Model
The NGRC’s success has sparked interest from other neighborhoods, and Dian is hopeful that their experience can be replicated. Dian shared:
“If we can do this, others can too!”
For communities looking to follow suit, the NGRC is ready to offer guidance, from forming associations to navigating the complex process of securing municipal support.
The North Guiones Road Committee’s journey proves that lasting change is possible through determination, collaboration, and creativity. By tackling infrastructure challenges head-on, they’re creating a stronger, more connected future for everyone in North Guiones—and paving the way for neighboring communities to do the same.
Gallery: NGRC's Road Improvement Progress
Take a closer look at the incredible work being done by the North Guiones Road Committee (NGRC). Below is a gallery featuring the latest photos of their ongoing road improvement efforts in Nosara. From bricking and drainage work to collaborative efforts with the municipality, these images showcase the transformation and dedication of the NGRC team and community members.
This gallery highlights not just the physical changes to the roads, but the spirit of community-driven progress that defines NGRC’s mission. Check back for updates as the project continues to evolve, making a lasting impact on the connectivity and resilience of North Guiones.
The North Guiones Road Committee's transformative work is just one of the many inspiring community-driven initiatives happening in Nosara. For more updates on this project and other news about road improvement, community efforts, and sustainability in the region, be sure to stay tuned to the PVM Blog.
Don’t miss out on the latest developments—subscribe, share, and be part of the change happening in Nosara!
Contact PVM team
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00 am–5:00 pm
WhatsApp
+506 8737 2331
Location
Central Guiones, Nosara, Costa Rica
