PLANS for Burnham Park are looking good.
Baguio City Councilor Mylen Yaranon has met with the Burnham Park Technical Working Group (TWG) tasked to oversee the rehabilitation of Burnham Park.
“The TWG set the framework plan for the Burnham Master Plan,” Yaranon said.
The lady lawmaker explained the aim is to restore the central axis as planned by Daniel Burnham of the “City Beautiful Movement”.
The TWG includes stakeholders and urban planner Jodi Alabanza.
Burnham was developed into a park in 1904 based on the design of architect Daniel Burnham as influenced by the “City Beautiful Movement.”
Yaranon said cultural symbolism will be embodied in the designs with respect to the original settlers of Baguio City.
In the coming week, plans will be presented with different options as to the allowed uses of areas within Burnham Park.
“The plan is for the revitalization of Burnham Park,” Yaranon added.
The 34-hectare Burnham Park was named after the American urban planner who produced the city’s master plan during the American colonial period when it was declared as a chartered city by the Philippine Commission on September 9, 2009.
Executive Order No. 224, series of 1995 issued by former President Fidel Ramos turned over the administration, management and operation of Burnham Park to the local government and it was strengthened by Executive Order No. 69, series of 2009 issued by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Before the administration, management and operation of the park was turned over to the city, Burnham Park was managed by the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), now known as Tieza under the Tourism department.
TIEZA now has pledged P20 million for the rehab of the park.
Before Burnham’s 1904 design was set in place, the flat, mossy area served as watering hole for cows after feeding on grasses all over Kafagway.
Its cluster cater to the interests of the young and old public park goers include the Burnham Lake, Children Playground, Skating Rink, Rose Garden, Orchidarium, Igorot Park, Melvin Jones Grandstand, Athletic Bowl, Picnic Grove, Japanese Peace Tower, Pine Trees of the World and Sunshine Park.
To date, the declaration of Burnham Park as a Significant Historical Site, is pending at the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.