01/06/2025
Bayan Park!!
𝗕𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗡 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗔 𝗕𝗜𝗚 𝗛𝗜𝗧 𝗔𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗦, 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗦
The newly rehabilitated Bayan Community Park is proving to be a big hit among local residents and tourists.
"When we opened Bayan Community Park, our only hope was that it would be appreciated. We never anticipated the overwhelming reception it would receive," City Environment and Parks Management Officer Rhenan Diwas shared.
The park now opens its doors daily to thousands of people both locals and tourists eager to enjoy the park's new offerings.
"Thousands -- families, children, friends, and couples -- flock to the park daily as if starved for accessible, inclusive, quality green spaces to escape from sedentary digital lifestyle," Diwas said.
"On any given day, the sunken playground alone hosts up to 800 kids in just half a day, all eagerly lining up to play. It’s as if we tapped into a quiet yearning—one we didn't fully realize was there," he added.
Nothing prepared them for such a huge reception and the resulting challenge ahead.
Diwas recounted that one of his staff half-joked, “Sir, gumawa tayo ng problema natin. Daming tao lagi.”
"He said it with a smile, a mix of exhaustion and pride. And honestly, it is a problem we’re glad to have. Because at the core of this joyful chaos is something truly heartening: people are finally reclaiming a space to breathe, play, connect, and simply be," he related.
And they agreed to take on the added responsibilities.
After its reopening to the public last May 8, the park continued to be monitored by the CEPMO for better management and functionality.
Members of the office's Administrative, Civil Engineering and Parks Management Divisions regularly conduct a walk-through and post-inspection assessment to review and fine tune the rules and guidelines initially enforced as well as the facilities to ensure that the park effectively serves the community and at the same time is efficiently managed.
Action and solutions are being considered to enhance the park's safety, comfort and maintain the facilities.
Diwas recalled how Bayan Park's rehabilitation came about beginning from the challenge posed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong three or four years ago.
"We were roaming around what was then an almost forgotten park—trash scattered everywhere, graffiti on the benches and walls, and muddy, neglected paths.
He asked me, 'You think we can make this like what we did in Botanical?' I replied, 'Even better, sir. We’ll make it functional.' Then came his usual litany of instructions—which always ends with, 'You know what the standard is… simply WOW.'"
He said the "wow" has been fulfilled and the challenge now lies on sustaining it.
He echoed the mayor's call for community cooperation in preserving the park.
"We can not do it alone. We need the community's help and cooperation. Together let's work to maintain it so that it can last for everyone to enjoy," he appealed. - Aileen P. Refuerzo