City concerned over adopted parks

WITH numerous city parks being adopted by private groups in the city, officials recently expressed their concern over these parks’ lack of upkeep.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan said although they remain appreciative of efforts of the private sector in coming up with offers to adopt parks, they are also strict in allowing them as many previously adopted areas are now left again for the government to maintain.

This as Vice Mayor Daniel Fariñas said some parks previously adopted by some groups are no longer maintained.

He said most of the organizations which offer park adoption are only good as to the ribbon cutting activities are over leaving the parks to be maintained again by the City Environment and Parks Management Office (Cepmo).

Fariñas stressed concerned groups must commit to their responsibilities in maintaining these parks and must go beyond displaying their organizations names.

Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda said the City Council will come up with an ordinance detailing when the city can remove the names of organizations sponsoring these parks if these parks remain in disarray.

Guidelines on the process of adopting parks have also been drafted by Cepmo for park adopters to follow such as duration of park adoption, maintenance and upkeep requirements and rules in placing of the organization’s names in the park.

Organizations such as the Lion’s Club agreed to stick to the guidelines but suggested to officials that they be allowed to come up with income-generating activities to help maintain the park.

However, city officials said they have to study the suggestion citing a local ordinance mandating parks be free from any business activities.

The mayor warned they will immediately remove the organization’s authority in maintaining neglected parks as well as come up with possible penalties for organizations not honoring their commitment to beautify and improve parks.