THERE are several places in the East of Bacolod that are great for outdoor leisure and academic learning.

One of those is the University of St. La Salle (USLS) Ecological Park, which sits on a 10-hectare property that forms the overall 55-hectare Granada campus.

Trees shade the area, radiating a cool ambiance that is best for leisure and recreation.

Students and private individuals who want to hold retreats, seminars, and other undertakings that require serenity can utilize the place. But advance arrangements should be made to have a smooth stay.

According to its social media post, the hub is suitable for ecological resource and learning, nature appreciation, biodiversity conservation, and environmental studies for students, teachers, researchers and policymakers, and the general public.

It also serves as a research and field laboratory for herbal medicine, organic farming indigenous plant propagation, and wildlife protection.

The eco-park also has a swimming pool for the use of adults and children.

I chanced to get inside the park with the permission of the caretakers, riding our mountain bikes.

I and fellow bikers Ian and Steve went around and we enjoyed the cool ambiance.

The place is strategically located near the highway. It is open for those who make advance arrangements.