By Terence Ranis
Manila City Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso visited the almost-finished renovated Arroceros Park, the city’s famous riverside forest park, in preparation for its reopening at the end of this month.
In a Facebook livestream on Saturday (Jan. 28), Domagoso and Manila City Engineer Armand Andres were seen touring the park. They showed the floating concrete walkways illuminated by lamps, new fountains, and plants and trees.
The area, the mayor said, is designed for the elderly, persons with disabilities and children so they can enjoy and play in the park even at night.
The 2.2-hectare riverside forest park has more than 3,000 trees of 61 varieties and 8,000 ornamental plants, and is home to 10 bird species.
The park will also have amenities such as kiosks, play areas, and comfort rooms.
Moreno also suggested the setting up of a public Wi-Fi in the park.
"This inspection of the park is in preparation of its reopening at the end of the month," said Andres.
Renovations of famous Manila landmarks, like the Arroceros Park and recently the Manila Zoo, are one of the projects pursued under Domagoso’s mayorship.
Last Jan. 9, the mayor touted that the new Arroceros Urban Forest Park will be the Philippine capital’s version of New York’s Central Park.
The redevelopment of the park is part of Domagoso’s long-term vision to make Manila a “Green City”.
In Feb. 2020, Domagoso signed an ordinance declaring the Arroceros Park -- considered as Manila’s last lung -- a “permanent forest park” to ensure its preservation.