BAGUIO City Councilor Mylen Yaranon stressed the need for parking facilities at the Burnham.
Yaranon underscored the need for parking facilities at Ganza area for public utility jeeps, as well as the need for a taxi terminal to be transformed into a two-level parking building.
She said officials are also eyeing transforming the old city auditorium into a creative center with a basement parking, and the Baguio Athletic Bowl tennis court area into a multi-level parking, maintaining a functional court atop the structure.
"Even parks have parking requirements as per the Philippine National Building Code," Yaranon said.
She said Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has given the nod on the idea and is very much aware of the need for parking.
"The proposals were submitted to his office, and was presented to Burnham TWG with mixed reactions," Yaranon said. "If you look at the existing, it is already congested with vendors, bikes, carnival, boats and conflicting uses. We will regulate these, through Councilor Philian Weygan-Allan. The vehicles will be regulated by removing them from lake drive, no traffic around the lake, but we propose parking at Ganza, tennis court area and the creative center."
Yaranon cautioned those who advocate to keep the park with open spaces.
"I agree, less built-up area, more green, but let us balance man's need and nature. I personally prefer providing PUV terminal at the Ganza area. I pity our commuters waiting in line especially during the rainy season," Yaranon added.
Yaranon said proposals for multi-level parking at Burnham park are still being accepted and studied.