ADVOCATES who keep Burnham Park free from high-rise structures are adamant in their position to block any plans to set up a parking building in the area.
The group, “The Baguio we Want,” has banded to spearhead opposition against proposals of Councilors Benny Bomogao, Michael Lawana, and Faustino Olowan for the construction of a podium car parking at the area of Ganza, in between orchidarium, children’s park and the whole stretch of the city library.
Raymundo Rovillos, chair for the group, said legislative measures to protect Burnham park is being mulled as the group meets with Representative Mark Go to possibly gain support in stopping plans to build within the park area.
“Burnham Park is a heritage site as well as other places in Baguio, It is the outcome of a plan that was envisioned by Architect Daniel Burnham in accordance to his beautiful city concept. Human activities have contributed to what it is now, but the idea that the place remains to be a distinct attraction for Baguio City means that the park is an integral component of the city’s identity,” the group stated in a statement.
The group has so far over 10,000 signatures opposing plans to set up a parking lot at Burnham Park through Change.Org, an online platform for advocacies.
Rovillos said the online petition will be supplemented with actual signature campaign from residents and locals which will be submitted to the city’s seat of power.
Rovillos said the people’s initiative to gather signature will quell speculation the online petition has garnered the support due to the worldwide reach of the digital platform but lacked the actual numbers if taken on the ground.
“If the intention is to invite more visitors by providing them with the convenience of parking, the proposal to enclose the park with high rise structures will obscure the park’s aesthetics which by its original design must remain an open space and a place for promenade and leisurely walks for people whether they are local or visiting,” the statement added.
Next week, the group will troop to Burnham Park in a show of solidarity to show the park is for people and not for cars.
The morning visit of the group will call on various groups to display how the park has become a venue for sports, wellness and recreation which does not need the invasion of a parking lot.
The group warned that the city will likely face urban decay in the near future.
