By Erma Edera
A newly-improved Mehan Garden in Lawton will soon be open to public, Manila Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso bared on Saturday night.
Mehan Garden (MAYOR ISKO MORENO / MANILA BULLETIN)
This, after cleaning operations and initial lighting installation were conducted beside the city-government operated Universidad de Manila.
Domagoso said the park was closed not only because of vandalism but also due to indecent acts committed by persons in the park’s comforts room.
In his Facebook live, Domagoso called the senior citizens to go to the park once it starts its operations.
“Mga senior citizens, pwede na kayong magzumba dito, fresh air. (To all senior citizens, you can conduct your zumba here, there is fresh air),” Domagoso said.
“Panis ang Ayala Triangle,” he said in jest.
The Mayor urged the public to take care of the park and its facilities when the public park opens again.
“To all lost treasures of Manila, we will bring it back to you,” he said.
Mehan Garden is an open space located along Liwasang Bonifacio where city dwellers commune with nature. It was established in 1858 by Spanish colonial authorities as Jardín Botánico, a botanical garden outside the walled city.
However, when the Americans arrived in Manila, they said the site was not suitable for a botanical garden so they decided to change it into a public park.
In 1913, it was renamed after John C. Mehan, who was then in charge of Manila’s parks and sanitation.
It was declared as a historical site by the National Historical Institute in 1934.
The garden also underwent renovation in 2015 and was completed in 2016.