Sunday at the Park

At last, after a couple of failed attempts and many unrealized plans, the family finally saw the insides of the famed People’s Park at the center of Davao City. The failed attempts had to do with our failure to take note of the park’s schedule, which is 5-8 AM and 1-10PM. These are periods one would not likely see us in the downtown area.

This time, the plan was to go to church at 7-8AM and play at the park afterwards. We almost completely missed it when we arrived five minutes before closing, again only taking our chances and not knowing what the schedule was. When we realized that it was already closing time, my wife and the baby in her arms got off the car in front of the gate and inquired. To everybody’s delight, the “park rangers” led us in and even allowed us to park inside the parking area reserved for officials.

Here’s a slideshow of our short but enjoyable stay inside the People’s Park.

It needs to be mentioned that developing a park at the heart of the City is laudable. Considering that this was not in the original set-up (the area was an open, poorly maintained athletic field, more bare soil than turf) like most towns/cities in the country where parks are negligible, almost bereft of trees and poorly maintained. Also, the area is prime location, near commercial establishments and tourist spots of the traditional center of the City. Concerts and other shows had been staged and regular events such as early weekend morning aerobics classes are open to the public.

There’s much to admire about the concept and the intention of providing for recreational and cultural services to the people…contributing to the livability of the City.