These Green Spaces Are Now Open to Senior Citizens and Pets in Manila
More to come, hopefully.
If you’re looking for a change of scenery for jogging, walking your pet, or getting some fresh air, a new hangout spot just opened in Metro Manila. And this time, you can bring your elders along, too.
Not just one, but two new parks have popped up in Manila. The Senior Citizens’ Park and Pet Park, located at Plaza Azul in Pandacan, formally opened their doors to the public on Wednesday after undergoing rehabilitation led by the MMDA and the city government.
What was once a neglected, barren site collecting dust, litter, debris, and waste has been transformed into a vibrant, one-hectare park with various facilities for both people and our furry companions to enjoy.
“Dati, tao lang ang welcome. Ngayon, pati na hayop (We only used to open our doors to people, but now, even animals are welcome),” said Manila Mayor Isko Moreno. “Because this is a very unique concept of [the] local and national [governments] — [to] create an open green space for humans and for our pets.”
A vast expanse of greenery awaits visitors at the sunken garden, complete with benches, walkways, and areas for all sorts of recreational activities.
Gym buffs can opt to work out at the outdoor fitness area, which comes with built-in bodyweight exercise equipment, while those looking for something new can try their hand at polo in its designated space.
There’s also a croquet area for those looking for less demanding activities. If you’re coming just to hang out, an al fresco space is available for park-goers, while senior citizens have their own pavilion to relax and socialize.
Children can make the most of the playground, equipped with slides, seesaws, monkey bars, and plenty of space to run, jump, and climb around.
For fur babies, the pet park has a variety of installed obstacles, along with greenery where they can walk and play.
The two new parks are part of Metro Manila’s Green Green Green program, which aims to revive and convert empty urban lots into sustainable public spaces.
Let’s face it, though: there can never be enough greenery in the capital. We can only hope that this is really just the start of many more similar projects in the future, as even—and most especially—the busiest metro deserves space to breathe.