Bayan Park: From ordinary to extraordinary community park
The ongoing Bayan Park Community Park rehabilitation and improvement project has this goal: to transform the quaint barangay park into a vibrant community promenade center that serves not only as “carbon sink” or breather from pollution of the community but also as the recreational, relaxation and wellness haven of residents.
“Bayan Park will serve as the benchmark for all community parks that we hope to establish in the city under our ‘parks-for-all’ program,” Mayor Benjamin Magalong said.
City Environment and Parks Management Officer Rhenan Diwas said the program’s vision is for every citizen to have an access to a quality community park — a breathing space — within ten minutes by foot as an indicator of an improving quality of life in the city.
With the Bayan Park model, the city will endeavor to improve existing community parks like the Aguinaldo Park and build new ones in Mines View to provide residents their own community park apart from the existing tourist spot, Bakakeng and others with available spaces. All will serve as carbon sinks or “lungs” of the communities.
The Bayan Park project is now on its first phase with the construction of the 340-square meter sunken playground and the 580-square meter calisthenics and outdoor gym within the two-hectare park area.
The second phase will include the construction of an outdoor amphitheater for community events, a skatepark for skateboarding and comfort rooms.
Diwas said the park’s development plan was anchored on striking a balance between preserving the ecosystem and providing the recreational, relaxation and wellness needs of the people.
He said that no existing trees will be cut but the dead ones will have to be removed and overgrown ones will be pruned for the protection of the park goers.
As part of the strategic plan, planting of tree saplings in designated areas of the park had been started.
“We planted colorful jacaranda trees and pine trees and ten years from now, we expect to see a big improvement in the park,” Diwas said.
On the build-up areas, he said removing the green cover is inevitable to give way for the structures that will house the amenities for enjoyment by the park goers. Landscaping and planting of ornamental plants and greenery is incorporated in the outdoor facility plans.
Diwas said the park’s development plan was anchored on striking a balance between preserving the ecosystem and providing the recreational, relaxation and wellness needs of the people.
He said that no existing trees will be cut but the dead ones will have to be removed and overgrown ones will be pruned for the protection of the park goers.
As part of the strategic plan, planting of tree saplings in designated areas of the park had been started.
“We planted colorful jacaranda trees and pine trees and ten years from now, we expect to see a big improvement in the park,” Diwas said.
On the build-up areas, he said removing the green cover is inevitable to give way for the structures that will house the amenities for enjoyment by the park goers. Landscaping and planting of ornamental plants and greenery is incorporated in the outdoor facility plans.
Diwas said all the structures were planned and properly designed in conformity with the area’s topography which is a hilly slope.
For the playground, he said the materials for the play facility were chosen to ensure that they are structurally safe for children, non-slip and stainless and obtained from local suppliers.
The calisthenics and outdoor gymnasium on the other hand is designed for adults with special consideration for senior citizens’ safety when walking around or exercising.
The community park will benefit 13 barangays around: Ambiong, Aurora Hill Proper, West Modernsite, Bayan Park Village, South Central, North Central, Leonila Hill, San Antonio Village, East Modernsite, Honeymoon-Holy Ghost, Brookside, East Bayan Park and Brookspoint. – Aileen P. Refuerzo/Julie G. Fianza
