PLANS are being ironed out for the makeover of Plaza Divisoria at the heart of Cagayan de Oro City to transform it into a modern recreational area.

According to the City Information Office, talks between the City Government and UN Habitat’s Building Climate Resiliency through Urban Plans and Designs (BCRUPD Project-UN Habitat) is ongoing for a proposed urban design partnership project called Project Lunhaw.

The project envisions to transform remaining open spaces along City Hall riverside and downstream into a modern recreational areas suitable for picnic, biking, and jogging activities, or simply turn these covered areas into river esplanade.

The proposed areas, namely Duaw Park, Riverside, Landside, Amphitheatre, and Plaza Divisoria will be developed into “climate-resilient areas” where trees, shrubs, flowers and grass are grown in order to provide fresh air, shade and lush greenery.

Kagayanon Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel has allocated P80 million to fund the Divisoria rehabilitation.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is the lead implementing agency of the project. Bidding of the contract is ongoing.

The City Information Office said the project will be a modern edifice depicting the old amphitheatre, multi-level parking and office building with footbridge and ramp, open theatre, rentable spaces and sun shelters, and viewing decks facing the majestic Cagayan de Oro River.

Project Lunhaw also wants to improve and beautify the entire stretch of Plaza Divisoria, making it into a “walkable and bikeable” park, and persons with disability (PWD)-friendly with the availability of ramps.