Park under Marcelo Fernan Bridge launched

CEBU, Philippines - With the shared vision of both the government and the private sector to create a well-rounded recreational expanse in the city, the Mandaue Bridge Park is envisioned to arise as a preferred hang-out area for locals and a potential tourist destination for domestic and foreign visitors.

The development of a family park under the Marcelo Fernan Bridge is a joint effort of the Mandaue City government and the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

It was formally inaugurated during the opening salvo of the Mandaue Business Month that took place last July 2.

The long -term project is initially comprised of a one-hectare lot and is divided into four bays.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes said that the park represents an enhanced community development in the city where families can unwind without worrying how much to pay and where foreign and domestic tourists especially those coming from the airport can also drop by.

Amado Go, chairman of the Mandaue Bridge Park, said that both sectors are aimed towards creating a paradigm shift that the park is actually capable of becoming a venue for fun and relaxation.

"We want to change the existing impression that the park is dangerous and unattractive. With this development, we try to create an image of an ideal family park. We want to let the public see that there is really a potential here," he said.

According to Go, the Mandaue Bridge Park is considered to be the second in the city, following the small-sized Heritage Park fronting the city hall.

He cited that they had ventured into the first few developments of the Mandaue Bridge Park before it was launched. It included the construction of the gates, improvement of the existing facilities and enhancement of the free spaces particularly those that were intended for senior citizens.

He also said that the park could also be a venue for public events such as sports activities, concerts and parties. One must secure a clearance from the city government before doing such.

The Mandaue Bridge Park will be made open as early to accommodate joggers and will be kept open to public until 10 PM.

The public need not to worry with safety issues since it has a 24-hour security, Go said.

There are also public transportation means that will make it more accessible to the public while private vehicles can take advantage of the wide parking spaces that park has.

After accomplishing the entire first phase of the development before the yearend, Go further noted that they intend to expand in other areas of the remaining bays.

He added that informal settlers in the area could take advantage of the park as they were provided with stalls where they can open their own businesses.

He also revealed that they plan to further put up food kiosks, shopping centers, bazaars and other commercial areas in the park.

Mandaue Business Month overall chair Romelinda Garces said that they support the government's plans for the Mandaue Bridge Park, adding that MCCI serves as the conduit of the public and private sectors in the project.

In her speech, she said that the park was inspired from the Plaza Independencia of the Cebu City government.

"We want more people to have fun in the park and not be afraid. We want to make them aware that this will not be an elite park but an area for all the Mandauehanons and other visitors to enjoy," she stated.

In order to sustain the long-term plans for the Mandaue Bridge Park, Garces said that they need the support from business players particularly for financial purposes.

She cited that the park shall require a budget of P16 million for the development of each bay.

Garces then encouraged business establishments and corporate citizens of Mandaue to support the project.

She shared that some members of the chamber already expressed interest to back their plans. At present, MCCI has 200 active member companies.

Asked about who shall do the maintenance tasks in the park, Garces said that they have to convene with the city government yet.

Although there will be no entrance fees to be implemented, she also said that they are looking at possibilities of collecting fees in areas such as comfort rooms for fund generation and maintenance of facilities like the playground, fences and road repairs. /JMD (FREEMAN)