González said the road has been legally designated as public property and that no individual or business may build infrastructure that blocks access to the beach or privatize public roads that provide access to Costa Rica's beaches.

As part of the operation, the municipality used heavy machinery to remove infrastructure that had been built on the roadway, including the security booth and access-control barriers.

The operation was not without controversy. Reportedly, club employees and private security personnel confronted police officers in an attempt to prevent the removal of the structures blocking access to the beach.

Despite the confrontation, authorities reopened the beach access route to the public on Thursday.

"The actions taken to reopen the public road were carried out in accordance with the law," González said.

He added that anyone may use the roadway to access the beach freely at any time, day or night.

González also emphasized that membership in the private club is not required to access the beach.  

"No individual or private company may remove visitors from a public beach in Costa Rica," he said. "Likewise, no private company should prevent people from traveling on a public roadway."

The mayor noted that parking vehicles on the sand is prohibited at all beaches in Costa Rica. Visitors are encouraged to use one of several private parking lots in the area and walk to the beach.

Meanwhile, representatives of the private club told local media that "the actions of the police were arbitrary and disproportionate."

The club alleged that the municipality damaged infrastructure, including security barriers, entrance posts, a security booth, vehicles and other property located on privately owned land belonging to multiple property owners and the club.

Authorities are urging the public to report any cases in which access to public beaches or public roads is denied by calling 911.

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