Monday, October 13, 2008 City park to undergo P22.5-million makeover By Edwin G. Espejo
THE former Carlos P. Garcia is not only getting a new name. It will also undergo a major facelift, according to a City Hall source.
Renamed General Santos Park, the dimly lit and randomly forested space fronting the City Hall has become a haven of trysting couple and lost its prominence as the city's eminent park.
City Hall media liaison chief Avel Manansala said the massive facelift will begin this month after Dellosa Design Build Services won the bid to redesign the park to the tune of P22.5 million.
"The project will include the construction of a parking area inside the 4.8-hectare tree-filled plaza, cobbled walks, plant boxes, new lamp posts and landscaped promenades for the whole family," said Manansala.
The park's original name was Freedom Park but it was renamed to Carlos P. Garcia Park during the term of former mayor Rosalita Nuñez.
It was planted with trees more than 10 years ago and the thick growth has obstructed the view of the City hall building.
The park used to host parades, rallies and other variety shows but because it now lacks open spaces, its underneath could no longer grow grasses.
City Hall said it will return the glory days of the park as eminent promenading area of residents in General Santos City.
"We hope to see people again flocking to the park and enliven the city's main business district," Manansala said.
Aside from the General Santos Park, the city has two other open space parks. One located at the back of the City Hall -- the Oval Plaza -- and the Queen Tuna Park along P. Acharon Blvd. facing the Sarangani Bay.
