The city is infusing PhP18 million in a two phase development program to rehabilitate and improve  the Bayan Park Community Park that will “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 as the park gets the boost it needs as the city tries to improve all existing community parks and utilize all other barangays with available spaces to provide residents their own community park apart from existing tourist spots.

Bayan Park will be the first as the city will also improve existing community parks like the Aguinaldo Park at Upper General Luna and Jungle Town, build a new one at Mines View and Bakakeng, among others.

The vision of the city is to provide for every Baguio citizen an access to a quality community park – a breathing space – that is within 10 minutes by foot that is “an indicatot of an improving quality of life in the city,” said  City Environment and Parks Management Officer Rhenan Diwas.

The PhP18 million will be used for the first phase of Bayan Park that will see the construction of the 340-square meter sunken playground and the 580-square meter calisthenics and outdoor gym within the two-hectare park area, Diwas said.

Diwas said the she second phase will include the construction of an outdoor amphitheater for community events, a skatepark for skateboarding and comfort rooms.

The park’s development plan, according to Diwas, was “anchored on striking a balance between preserving the ecosystem and providing the recreational, relaxation and wellness needs of the people.”

No existing trees will be cut but only the dead ones will have to be removed, while overgrown ones will be pruned for the protection of the park goers, said Diwas.

Diwas added that 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.

However, there is a need to remove some of the green cover to give way for the structures that will house the amenities for enjoyment by the park goers, said Diwas.

The city will also effect landscaping and planting of ornamental plants and greenery is incorporated in the outdoor facility plans.

All the structures were planned and properly designed in conformity with the area’s topography which is a hilly slope, he said.

He added that the materials to be for the playground were “carefully chosen to ensure that they are structurally safe for children, non-slip and stainless and obtained from local suppliers.”

While the calisthenics and outdoor gymnasium are designed for adults, the design was done with special consideration for senior citizens’ safety when walking around or exercising.

Bayan Park serves as the heart of 13 barangays, namely 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. Pigeon Lobien