Monday, June 26, 2006
Burnham Park management plan okayed
THE City Council has approved the Burnham Park management plan where recommendations include the upgrade of the park, that its original features be sustained and retained, and that too much vehicular traffic be reduced from the park.
The plan was presented by City Environment Parks and Management Office (Cepmo) officer-in-charge Jocelyn Chan during the City Council session.
Chan said a framework should be deployed for the planning process and the resulting preservation plan, which includes the identification of historic and cultural resources, consideration, and exploration of approaches to management of park resources, and the development of strategies Burnham.
She added that public participation should be considered in the planning process, the Burnham Park Management Committee, as well as professional and private sector representatives. The representatives' input will be complemented by experts in the government.
Chan also presented the historical development of the park since 1905 when the Minak creek provided water for the man-made lake on the "Kafagway" marsh. The race court, skating rink, Athletic Bowl and flower gardens came later, as with the Orchidarium, biking area, the children's playground.
Also added later were the Igorot garden, football field, Athletic Bowl, Japanese Peace Tower Area, Pine Trees of the World Area, and Sunshine Park.
Chan said with the addition of more areas to see, more paths and walkways choreographed to people's movement around the park should be developed, as this would encourage visitors to walk through the whole park system. Vehicles' entry should be minimized and strategically positioned, she said.
More eye-catching flora, areas for senior citizens, and amenities for picnickers should also be provided while the children's playground should be provided with safe and challenging play equipment, she said.
Materials for longevity and cost will be however be considered in the planning.
"The environment factors shall be considered which would be an oasis that would serve as a refuge from the chaos of city life at the central business district (CBD)," said Chan. (JF)
(June 26, 2006 issue)
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