The City Government of Baguio inaugurated the newly rehabilitated Bayan Community Park on the morning of May 8, transforming the two-hectare space in Bayan Park Village, Aurora Hill into a vibrant and accessible green hub for residents of surrounding barangays.
The project was part of the city’s “parks-for-all” program, a flagship initiative that aims to provide every citizen with access to a quality community park within a ten-minute walk. The program seeks to promote community wellness, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong and City Environment and Parks Management Officer Rhenan Diwas led the inauguration, where they emphasized the park’s role in fostering health, recreation, and community connection.
According to Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, the City Council allocated ₱20 million for the rehabilitation of the park.
The redevelopment, which began in 2022, was carried out in two phases. The first phase involved the construction of a 340-square-meter sunken children’s playground and a 580-square-meter calisthenics and outdoor gym. The second phase added a skateboarding area, an outdoor amphitheater for community events, and public comfort rooms.
Diwas noted that the project balanced recreational needs with environmental preservation. Landscaping was incorporated throughout the park, featuring ornamental and edible plants, trees, and green open spaces. Tree saplings were planted in designated areas, and care was taken to ensure structures followed the natural slope of the terrain. Play equipment was designed to be structurally safe for children, with non-slip, stainless materials sourced from local suppliers. The outdoor gym was also designed with accessibility in mind, especially for senior citizens.
Diwas also noted that there will be no entrance fees for those who want to use the park. However, camping activities or large events may require payment of environmental fees as part of standard city protocols.
The park now serves as a recreational space for 13 barangays, including 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.
As a model under the “parks-for-all” program, Bayan Community Park is expected to set the standard for upcoming community parks in the city, with plans already underway to improve Aguinaldo Park and develop new green spaces in Mines View, Bakakeng, and other areas. – CCT
