THE largest park currently in development by the city government of Davao is targeted to open by October this year, according to the Parks and Playgrounds Division of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).
With a budget allocation of P82,567,000, the park is 1.2 hectares in size and located in the Doña Vicenta Subdivision behind Davao City National High School.
Engr. Juancho Dagasohan, the acting division chief of the Parks and Playground Division, said on August 9, 2022 that the park will have structural amenities such as a library, multi-purpose building, and amphitheater.
It also has pathways and bike lanes for those looking for an outdoor exercise space and a closed-circuit television video surveillance for added security.
“Pag maabrihan ni siya, didto nato makita ang tanan mga amenities. Isa ni sa lugar nga ikalipay sa mga tao nga ilang mabisita (When it’s finally open, we will see all its amenities. This will be one of the places the people will be excited to visit),” Dagasohan said during a radio interview.
The Doña Vicenta park is one out of four parks set to open by this year. The other parks are located in Barangay Communal, Barangay 76-A Bucana, and Barangay Los Amigos.
The Bago Esplanade and Gulf View Esplanade are also awaiting turnover to the city government by the Department of Public Works and Highways in Davao Region. Dagasohan said it will be turned over soon.
Dagasohan said that the development of more recreational parks in the city is in line with the goal to provide more green and open spaces proportionate to Davao City’s population.
“Naa sila ginatawag na green foundation na dapat bagay ang population against sa open parks. Mao to ginaapas sa siyudad na kinahanglan balanse ang population sa Davao, naa siya corresponding open parks (They have what they call green foundation wherein the population is [proportionate to] the open parks. That’s what the city is after, the population in Davao should have corresponding open parks),” Dagasohan said.
Currently, Davao City has 22 existing parks. Among the popularly known parks are the People’s Park Davao, Magsaysay Park, Osmeña Park, Quezon Park, Rizal Park, Davao City Botanical Park, Centennial Monument Park, Freedom Park, Millennium Park, and Matina Linear Park.
Also included are Bonifacio Park, Candelaria Park, Calinan Park, Doña Carmen Marfori Soriano Park, Jacinto Ponce Park, Julian Rodriguez Park, Mintal Park, Nograles Park, Sandawa park, Sta. Ana Park, and Toril Park. ICM