To comply with minimum health protocols, wash areas are installed in city parks, with personnel assigned to check on the use of face masks and shields; and social distancing.
This was announced by City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) OIC Atty. Rhenan Diwas during the Ugnayan media forum last week.
Flushing and disinfection is done regularly, he added.
Burnham park which was closed during the quarantine period starting March 16 is now open for boating, biking and promenade with restriction or control on the number of parkgoers. As of now, the number is manageable, Diwas said.
The number of boats and bicycles for rent were decreased considerably, after a series of meeting with the concessionaires, Diwas said. Changes, however may be expected as restrictions are eased up, he added.
It may be recalled that parks underwent rejuvenation during the quarantine period.
The childrens’ park is under repair, thus for the meantime would be closed to the public, Diwas clarified.
Portions of the Botanical garden and Dominican Heritage park is open with restriction as to numbers and activities. Diwas said Botanical garden could only accommodate about a hundred, while Dominican may cater to 50 visitors at a time; due to social distancing.
Mines View Park opens without vendors within the area, thus could accommodate about 50 visitors.
The rose garden is being prepared for next year’s activities with the propagation of a thousand roses, and is closed at the moment, it was known.
Diwas cautioned park goers to follow basic health protocols while in the parks, and so with closing time which is 6PM.
According to Diwas, the opening of parks is partially due to stresses of individuals being cooped inside residences for the past months.
Incidents due to mental health issues and increased domestic violence were also reported by the Local Civil Registrar and City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) during the past months of quarantine.
As to queries from residents of La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba and Tublay (LISTT) area for entry to Burnham Park, Diwas encouraged the different local government units to discover open areas in their locality.
“As much as we want to accommodate everybody, social distancing needs to be practiced at all times and crowding should be avoided (in the parks) to decrease possible Covid-19 transmission.
“This is the time and opportunity for our neighbors to find and develop spaces for their use, Diwas said.
By: Julie G. Fianza
Photo by: Neil Ongchangco