BAGUIO City Councilor Elaine Sembrano aired misgivings on proposals to use Burnham Park for a carnival.
“I have serious misgivings about a carnival at Burnham Park. First, this is the same operator whose carnival was beset by safety issues. Second, Burnham Park should not have noise, pollutive amusement,” Sembrano said.
Linked-in Corporation president Belezar Ola earlier asked members of the Baguio City Council’s permission to set up carnival rides at Burnham Park.
Ola, in his letter, sought to use the Children’s Playground from February 1 to April 30, 2020 with a lease amounting to P500,000 for an amusement park set-up, skilled games and food to go kiosks.
Sembrano said the proposal was not taken up during the last council meeting.
“Di naman na take up noong Monday. Maganda sana magkaroon ng carnival sa park as added attraction and amusement para sa mga bata pero marami ico-consider safety ng mga rides, security acceptance sa lugar etc,” Sembrano added.
(We did not take up this topic last Monday, December 16. It’s nice if we will have a carnival in the park as added atrraction and amusement for the children but we have to consider the safety of the rides, security acceptance in the area, etc.)
Ola said the carnival will add more attractions and create limitless fun and entertainment to the Panagbenga festival.
“Our firm, Linked –in Corporation, a renowned pop up American park organizer would like to propose to conduct a family oriented Mimi carnival rides at the Children’s park subject to terms and conditions you require,” said Ola.
The carnival operator also said the company, if allowed to operate at the city park will provide marshals, security, maintenance and a housekeeping crew with a first aid clinic.
Sembrano meanwhile pointed out the existing rides already in an amusement park within a mall premises in the city.
“Meron na tayo rides, pero let us give him a chance to present,” she added.
(We already have rides, but let us give him a chance to present.)
Councilor Mylen Yaranon also expressed apprehension against the carnival.
“The Ola carnival is a no-no. Burnham Park must be decongested, for it to be really enjoyed for rest and recreation. Carnival should be placed somewhere else, not at Burnham Park,” Yaranon said.
The lady councilor reminded the public saying, “The first carnival Ola had did more damage at the children's playground and no rehabilitation was ever made.”