By Danielle Finnegan | August 13, 2025 | Guanacaste
Amenities
Community

Papagayo Park, opening festive 2025, is a next-generation epicenter for outdoor sports, recreation, casual dining, and entertainment. Located in the new Manzanillo Bay neighborhood, the park will feature multi-sport hardcourts, playgrounds, aquatic zones, and a vibrant mix of nature-meets-movement experiences for all ages. At the heart of this new destination is a passionate and homegrown leadership team.

Karen Mairena, who began her journey at Peninsula Papagayo in 2017 after joining from Four Seasons, will serve as General Manager of Papagayo Park. Her love for children, fitness, and learning—paired with her exceptional organizational skills—has guided her steady rise from Kids Club Attendant to Lead of the Kids Club in 2020, followed by her promotion to Activities Center Lead in 2023. This August, she steps confidently into her new leadership role at the park.

Joining Karen is Maria Garcia, a longtime team member who started as a server in 2012. Known for her exceptional memory, dedication to service, and contagious laughter, Maria was promoted to Assistant F&B Manager in 2022 and will take on the role of Food & Beverage Manager for the park this October.

Rounding out the opening leadership team is Kevin Arias and Aldana Acuna. Kevin began in 2018 as a multi-purpose guide and instructor for yoga and surf. Promoted in 2023 to Experience Curator and Supervisor of the Activities Center, Kevin is deeply passionate about nature and human connection—qualities he brings to his new role designing meaningful guest experiences at Papagayo Park. Aldana, who holds a degree in Criminology, worked for seven years as a preschool assistant before joining Peninsula Papagayo in April 2022 as a Kids Club Attendant. Over the past three years, she has stood out for her strong connection with children and ability to inspire creativity. She now steps into her new role as Kids Club & Activity Center Supervisor, where her talent for sparking imagination will inspire family experiences across the park.

Meanwhile, Papagayo Estates Management (PEM) continues to grow. In addition to offering comprehensive property management services, PEM has officially expanded into vacation rental management—further elevating the residential experience across the peninsula. As part of this growth, Celina Schroder has been promoted to Manager of Guest Experiences at PEM after nearly two years as a Concierge at The Club at Peninsula Papagayo, Celina is widely admired for her warmth, charisma, and keen attention to detail. She now brings that same thoughtful care to the vacation rental program and the broader property management team.

Together, these enhancements reflect our commitment to fostering career growth – adding 56 new jobs while elevating guest and member experiences, and building a vibrant, connected community—one driven by purpose, passion, and people.

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