BAGUIO CITY – After more than two years of extensive reconstruction and enhancement, the Bayan Community Park, located in Bayan Park Village, Aurora Hill, has officially reopened its gates to the public on May 8, 2025. The once simple barangay park has been transformed into a vibrant and functional urban green space dedicated to community wellness, recreation, and environmental revitalization.
The renovation project, which began in 2022, was spearheaded by the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) under the leadership of Atty. Rhenan Diwas. With a budget allocation of P20 million, the initiative brought together a team of engineers, architects, contractors, laborers, and support staff, all of whom worked diligently even amid inclement weather to ensure the successful completion of the park’s rehabilitation.
The upgraded park now serves as a refreshing haven for rest and leisure while promoting physical activity and mental wellness. It also functions as a green lung for the community, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier urban environment. The design of the park was guided by the actual needs of the community, incorporating various amenities that cater to different age groups and interests.
Among the new facilities available in the revitalized park are a playground area, calisthenics zone, picnic grounds, skating and camping areas, a jogging path, a nursery and garden, and an amphitheater for community events. The park is also pet-friendly, although owners are reminded to act responsibly to maintain cleanliness and order.
“In 2019, Baguio set a bold vision for environmental revitalization. A key part of this effort is the improvement of parks, aligned with our sustainable development goal of creating urban sustainable cities. One defining trait of such cities is the presence of quality urban spaces and that is our goal today: to bring these quality spaces closer to the people of Baguio,” Atty. Diwas shared. “We saw the potential of this park once rehabilitated, it can serve as a local haven, reducing the need for residents to visit the already saturated central business district. The design of this park is rooted in the actual needs of the community.”
He also emphasized that the park is meant to be an inclusive, freely accessible space for all residents of Baguio City. While there may be minimal environmental fees and advance scheduling required for certain organized activities such as camping and events, everyday use of the park remains open and free to the public. These considerations, however, are still under discussion.
Barangay Kagawad Hon. Raffy Bravo of East Bayan Park highlighted the collaborative effort of the barangay in safeguarding the park, alongside the other 12 barangays within the Aurora Hill and surrounding areas. “Our barangay, including Ambiong, Aurora Hill Proper, West Modernsite, Bayan Park Village, South Central, North Central, Leonila Hill, San Antonio Village, East Modernsite, Honeymoon-Holy Ghost, Brookside, and Brookspoint, will be monitoring and safeguarding this park together with the management. We are really happy that this park has reopened. At least we now have a quality breathing space nearby that is freely open for all for the children, for the adults, and for the senior citizens,” he said. He also mentioned that discussions regarding a designated parking area are ongoing and updates will be provided soon.
Local residents expressed their joy and appreciation for the reopening. Senior citizen Abdon Sogocio Jr. shared his delight, saying, “Napakaganda na talaga ng Bayan Park, higit sa lahat talagang ang mga tao, nakikita ko napakasaya nila. Katulad ko na may bahay na malapit dito, tuwang-tuwa talaga na nabuksan na ito. Kung bibisita man ang aking mga pamangkin at apo dito sa Baguio, at least lalakarin lang nila. Kami na din ay may edad na, kaya pwede kaming umupo-upo dito at mag-relax. Hindi na kailangang pumunta pa sa malayong lugar na sasakay at mamasahe pa. Talagang napakaganda nitong park.”
Even the younger members of the community are thrilled. Seven-year-old Cassidy Maramba expressed her thoughts with enthusiasm: “I really like this park because it is made of beautiful stuffs for kids. I hope that the kids in Aurora will enjoy it.”
Another resident, Yolanda Viloria, shared a nostalgic reflection: “I remember 1st Mountain as we call Bayan Park, where we used to play. We had slides made of plywood and it was just nature bare, just tiger grass everywhere. Now, it is a real park. We planted a lot of trees back in the days. 1st Mountain (Bayan Park) and 2nd Mountain (Busol). Good job, you guys made an awesome job. Kudos to all of you!”
In closing, Atty. Diwas extended his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the park’s transformation. “We would like to say thank you sa lahat ng mga personnel na nagtrabaho dito na nag-alay ng dugo at pawis nila for this community park. Kahit pa man bumabagyo, we were here para mag-ayos at magtrabaho. That’s why I’m appealing to the public to please exercise collective responsibility in preserving and protecting the park’s facilities. Proper care and cooperation will ensure that the space remains a lasting legacy for both present and future generations. Kaya tulong-tulong tayo sa pag-maintain neto.”
The reopening of the Bayan Community Park marks not just the return of a beloved community space but also a renewed commitment to sustainable urban living, inclusivity, and the well-being of Baguio City residents. By Annjay Domilies
