Explore Burnham Park: A Historic Urban Park within the Philippines

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Burnham Park: A Guide to Baguio’s Green Oasis

Burnham Park is a historic urban park positioned in downtown Baguio, Philippines. It covers an area of 32.84 hectares and was designed by American architect and Baguio city planner, Daniel Burnham. The park is called after him and is taken into account to be the “mother of all parks” within the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

Burnham Park gate by Patrickroque01 via Wikimedia cc
Burnham Park gate By Patrickroque01 – Taken using my very own camera EOS M100, CC BY-SA 4.0, cc

With its central location, Burnham Park is the Most worthy piece of Baguio real estate. It’s a well-liked destination for each locals and tourists alike, offering a refreshing escape from city life. The park incorporates a number of attractions, including a playground, skating rink, rose garden, picnic grove, orchidarium, Igorot Garden, Melvin Jones Grandstand, Athletic Bowl, Japanese Peace Tower, Pine Trees of the World, Sunshine Park, and Baguio Museum. Visitors also can take a ship ride on the lagoon, which has boats that appear to be swans.

History of Burnham Park

Burnham Park covers the one large expanse of level ground inside hilly surroundings and was designed by American architect and Baguio city planner, Daniel Hudson Burnham.

Daniel Burnham was an American architect and concrete planner who was liable for the design of many cities in the US, including Chicago and Washington D.C. He was hired by the Philippine government to design the town of Baguio, which was then the summer capital of the Philippines. Burnham’s original plans for the town included a central park, which eventually became Burnham Park.

Construction of the park began around 1904, and it was accomplished in 1925. The park was named after Daniel Burnham, in honor of his contributions to the town’s design. Burnham Park is a manifestation of the City Beautiful movement, which was a reform philosophy of North American architecture and concrete planning that flourished throughout the Eighteen Nineties and 1900s.

The park is home to a picturesque lake, vibrant gardens, and diverse amenities, and it has develop into a well-liked destination for tourists and locals alike. Burnham Park covers an area of 32.84 hectares and is split into 12 clusters, each with its own allure. Visitors can enjoy activities akin to boating, biking, and picnicking inside the park.

Geographical Location

Burnham Park is situated in the guts of Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines. It’s positioned in Benguet province, within the Cordillera Administrative Region of Northern Luzon. The park is called after Daniel H. Burnham, the American architect and concrete planner who designed the town of Baguio.

Tourists enjoying the serene waters of Burnham lake
Tourists having fun with the serene waters of Burnham lake

The park covers an area of 33 hectares (81 acres) and is bounded by Harrison Road, Governor Pack Road, Jose Abad Santos Drive, and Kisad Road. The park is definitely accessible by automotive, jeepney, or taxi. Visitors can enter the park at no cost.

Baguio City is understood for its cool climate, scenic views, and historical landmarks. Town is positioned roughly 250 kilometers north of Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. Baguio City is accessible by land via the Marcos Highway, Kennon Road, or Naguilian Road.

Burnham Park is some of the popular tourist destinations in Baguio City. It’s positioned near other popular attractions akin to the Mines View Park, the Baguio Cathedral, and the Tam-Awan Village.

Visitors to Burnham Park can enjoy quite a lot of activities akin to boating, biking, jogging, and picnicking. The park also has a children’s playground, a skating rink, and a rose garden. The park is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.

Features and Attractions

Burnham Park offers a refreshing escape from city life and is a well-liked destination for tourists and locals alike. The park has 12 major areas, each with its own unique features and attractions.

Boating at Burnham Lake by Daryl Enriquez via Unsplash
Boating at Burnham Lake by Daryl Enriquez via Unsplash

Burnham Lake

Positioned at the guts of Burnham Park, Burnham Lake is a century-old man-made lake that speaks for the park itself. Boating is a favourite activity here, and there are a number of boats to select from. Renting a ship for half-hour costs 150 pesos. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll across the lake or enjoy a romantic paddleboat ride.

Rose Garden

The Rose Garden is a gorgeous display of various kinds of roses. Visitors can admire the colourful and fragrant blooms and take pictures with the stunning backdrop. The garden is a well-liked spot for couples and families.

Orchidarium

The Orchidarium is a set of varied orchids which are native to the Philippines. Visitors can see different species of orchids and learn more about their unique characteristics. The garden is an awesome place for nature lovers and those that appreciate the fantastic thing about flowers.

Children’s Playground

The Children’s Playground is a fun and secure place for teenagers to play. It has various equipment, including slides, swings, and climbing structures. Parents can chill out on the nearby benches while their kids benefit from the playground.

Igorot Garden

The Igorot Garden is a conventional garden that showcases the culture and heritage of the Igorot people. Visitors can see various kinds of plants and artifacts which are significant to the Igorot culture. The garden is an awesome place to learn more concerning the history and traditions of the Igorot people.

Japanese Peace Tower

The Japanese Peace Tower is a monument that commemorates the friendship between Japan and the Philippines. It was in-built honor of the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Visitors can see the tower and pay their respects to the victims of the bombings.

Melvin Jones Grandstand

The Melvin Jones Grandstand is a covered stage that’s used for various events and performances. Visitors can watch concert events, plays, and other shows on the grandstand. The stage can also be used for ceremonies and other special occasions.

Athletic Bowl

The Athletic Bowl is a big open field that’s used for various sports and activities. Visitors can see people playing soccer, frisbee, and other sports on the bowl. The sphere can also be used for concert events and other events.

Sunshine Park

Sunshine Park is a small garden that features various kinds of flowers and plants. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll across the garden and luxuriate in the colourful blooms. The garden is an awesome place to chill out and unwind.

Pine Trees of the World

The Pine Trees of the World is a set of various kinds of pine trees from world wide. Visitors can see different species of pine trees and learn more about their unique characteristics. The gathering is an awesome place for nature lovers and those that appreciate the fantastic thing about trees.

Activities and Experiences

Burnham Park offers quite a lot of activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy. From boating to biking, skating to picnicking, walking and jogging to playing chess, there’s something for everybody.

Boating

One of the vital popular activities at Burnham Park is boating on the man-made lake. Visitors can rent paddle boats or row boats to explore the lake and luxuriate in the scenic views. Boating is an awesome solution to chill out and unwind while having fun with the fresh air and exquisite surroundings.

Bike Rentals in Burnham Park by Sir Mildred Pierce via Wikimedia cc
Bike Rentals in Burnham Park By Sir Mildred Pierce – Flickr, CC BY 2.0, cc

Biking

Visitors can rent bicycles and explore the park’s bike trails. Cycling is an awesome solution to get some exercise and luxuriate in the park’s natural beauty.

Skating

The park has a skating rink where visitors can rent skates and glide across the rink. Skating is a fun activity for visitors of all ages and skill levels.

Picnicking

There are several picnic groves throughout the park where visitors can chill out and luxuriate in a meal. Picnicking is an awesome solution to spend time with family and friends while having fun with the park’s natural beauty.

Walking and Jogging

The park’s walking and jogging paths are perfect for visitors who need to get some exercise while having fun with the park’s natural beauty. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll or go for a jog across the park.

Chess

There are several chess tables positioned throughout the park where visitors can play a game of chess. Chess is an awesome solution to exercise the mind and luxuriate in the park at the identical time.

Facilities and Services

Burnham Park is a 32-hectare urban park positioned in the guts of Baguio City, Philippines. It offers a wide selection of facilities and services that cater to the needs of tourists and locals alike. Listed here are among the facilities and services available in Burnham Park:

Food Stalls

There are many food stalls scattered across the park that provide quite a lot of local and international dishes. Visitors can enjoy snacks akin to corn on the cob, fish balls, and ice cream, or have a full meal at one among the various restaurants within the park. The costs are reasonable, and the food is delicious.

Boat and Bike Rentals

Considered one of the major attractions of Burnham Park is the man-made lake, where visitors can rent boats and luxuriate in a leisurely ride across the lake. There are various kinds of boats available, including swan-shaped paddle boats, motorized boats, and rowboats. Visitors also can rent bicycles and explore the park on two wheels.

Massage Services

Visitors can enjoy a calming massage from one among the various massage vendors within the park. The massage services are inexpensive, and the vendors are experienced and skilled. Nonetheless, it is necessary to notice that massage services will not be officially sanctioned by the park authorities.

Parking Spaces

There are several parking spaces available across the park for visitors who’re driving. The parking fees are reasonable, and the parking spaces are well-maintained. Visitors should pay attention to the designated parking areas to avoid being towed.

Flora and Fauna

Burnham Park is a haven for nature lovers, with its wide range of natural world. The park boasts of several gardens, including a rose garden, orchidarium, and a pine tree garden. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the gardens and admire the colourful and fragrant flowers.

Other than the gardens, Burnham Park can also be home to several species of fish, including koi, carp, and tilapia. The park’s man-made lake, Burnham Lake, is a well-liked spot for boating and fishing. Visitors can rent rowboats and pedal boats to explore the lake and check out their luck at catching fish.

For individuals who prefer to remain on land, Burnham Park offers several rides, including a mini train, carousel, and Ferris wheel. These rides provide a fun and exciting solution to explore the park and soak up the sights and sounds.

Events and Gatherings

Burnham Park is a well-liked venue for various events and gatherings. The Melvin Jones Grandstand, positioned within the park’s central area, is an awesome spot to observe events. This a part of the park often hosts major events, akin to concert events, festivals, and sports tournaments. Visitors can check the park’s schedule to see what events are coming up.

Families and friends also can benefit from the park’s wide grassy field, which makes an awesome place to run around in. The Athletic Bowl, one other popular spot for joggers, is an awesome place to get some exercise and luxuriate in the fresh air. The park also has a Japanese Peace Tower, which serves as an emblem of peace and friendship between Japan and the Philippines.

For those in search of a romantic spot for a date or a special someone, Burnham Park offers several options. The Rose Garden, positioned near the lake, is a picturesque spot with various flowers and plants. Visitors also can take a ship ride on the lake or enjoy a picnic with relations.

Getting There and Around

Baguio is a well-liked tourist destination that may be reached by bus, automotive, or plane. Visitors can take a bus from Manila to Baguio City, which takes around 6 hours. Alternatively, they will take a direct flight to the nearby Loakan Airport, which is simply a 15-minute drive from the town center.

Once in Baguio, visitors can get around the town by taking a taxi or a jeepney. Taxis are available and may be hailed on the road or booked through a ride-hailing app. Jeepneys are a well-liked and inexpensive mode of transportation in Baguio, and so they operate on fixed routes throughout the town. Visitors also can rent a automotive or a motorbike to explore the town at their very own pace.

To get to Burnham Park, visitors can take a taxi or a jeepney to Session Road, which is the major thoroughfare in Baguio City. From there, it’s a brief walk to the park. Burnham Park can also be accessible by foot or by bicycle, and there are bike rental shops positioned across the park.

Nearby Attractions

Burnham Park is surrounded by several attractions which are value exploring. Visitors can take a break from the park and visit nearby places akin to Baguio Cathedral, Baguio Museum, Session Road, and Night Market.

Baguio Cathedral, also often called Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral, is a well-liked attraction positioned just just a few minutes away from Burnham Park. It’s a gorgeous structure that showcases the town’s wealthy history and culture. The cathedral also offers a peaceful and serene environment, making it a super place for prayer and reflection.

One other attraction that visitors should take a look at is the Baguio Museum. It’s an awesome place to learn concerning the city’s history, culture, and traditions. The museum showcases various artifacts, photographs, and artworks that depict the wealthy heritage of the town.

Session Road is a bustling business area that’s positioned near Burnham Park. It’s an awesome place to buy, dine, and unwind. Visitors can find quite a lot of stores, restaurants, and cafes that provide local and international cuisine. The road also hosts several events and festivals all year long, making it a energetic and exciting place to go to.

For individuals who love shopping, the Night Market is a must-visit attraction. It’s positioned near Burnham Park and offers a wide selection of products akin to clothes, accessories, and souvenirs. Visitors also can sample local delicacies and street food while browsing through the stalls.

Park Etiquette and Maintenance

Burnham Park is a well-maintained urban park positioned in downtown Baguio, Philippines. Visitors are encouraged to follow proper park etiquette to assist maintain its cleanliness and sweetness.

One of the vital essential rules is to properly eliminate garbage. There are several trash bins positioned throughout the park, and visitors are expected to make use of them. Littering is strictly prohibited and can lead to fines.

To be sure that the park stays well-maintained, visitors should refrain from damaging or removing any of the park’s features, akin to plants, benches, and sculptures. Vandalism shouldn’t be tolerated and can lead to criminal charges.

During peak seasons, the park can develop into overcrowded, and visitors are encouraged to be mindful of their surroundings and respect the non-public space of others. Visitors also needs to pay attention to their noise levels and refrain from playing loud music or engaging in disruptive behavior.

Impact on Local Economy

Burnham Park has a major impact on the local economy. The park attracts each local and foreign tourists, who spend money on various activities and products while within the park. Vendors are also a vital a part of the park’s economy, as they sell a wide selection of products, including food, souvenirs, and clothing.

Tourists visiting Burnham Park contribute to the local economy by spending money on various activities, akin to renting bicycles, boats, and paddleboats. Based on a report by Inquirer.net, Burnham Park concessionaires lost P38 million in forgone bicycle rentals and P3.2 million in boat rentals as stay-at-home orders were enforced from April to June 2020 as a result of the pandemic. The report highlights the importance of tourism to the local economy and the way the pandemic has affected it.

Vendors also play a vital role within the park’s economy. They sell a wide selection of products, including food, souvenirs, and clothing. The vendors are mostly small business owners who depend on the park’s foot traffic to make a living. Town council has approved the redevelopment of Baguio Burnham Park and public market, which can affect the vendors’ businesses. The plans at the moment are up for review by the general public and anxious national government agencies, in keeping with a report by BusinessWorld.

Burnham Park also serves as a venue for various events, akin to concert events, fairs, and sports tournaments. These events attract each local and foreign visitors, which further contributes to the local economy. Students from nearby schools and universities also visit the park for educational trips and recreational activities.

Burnham Park in Baguio City
Burnham Park in Baguio City

Regularly Asked Questions

What are the favored activities to do in Burnham Park?

Burnham Park offers a wide selection of activities for visitors to enjoy. A number of the popular activities include boat riding on the lake, biking, and roller skating. There are also loads of open spaces to have picnics, chill out, and luxuriate in the fresh air. Visitors also can explore the gardens and check out local delicacies from the food stalls.

What’s the history of Burnham Park?

Burnham Park is called after Daniel Burnham, an American architect and concrete planner who designed the plan for Baguio City. The park was established in 1905 and has since develop into a well-liked destination for locals and tourists alike.

Where can I discover a map of Burnham Park?

Visitors can easily find maps of Burnham Park on the park’s entrance or at the knowledge center positioned contained in the park. You may as well visit the Department of Tourism Office for more brochures concerning the park and other tourist spots in Baguio City.

What are the opening hours of Burnham Park?

Burnham Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Nonetheless, among the activities and facilities can have specific operating hours, akin to the boat rides and food stalls.

What’s the lake in Burnham Park used for?

The lake in Burnham Park is used for various activities akin to boating and fishing. Visitors can rent paddle boats, swan boats, and rowboats to benefit from the lake. The lake can also be home to numerous species of fish, which may be caught with a permit.

Baguio City Travel and Tour Packages

To allow you to plan your visit to Baguio, we listed places and other unique activities in Baguio City. We also listed a few of the most effective travel deals, tour packages, excellent flights, and accommodations.

Trying to find the most effective hotels, resorts, and inexpensive flights within the nearby Cities? Take a look at our list of low-cost Baguio City hotels and resorts via Agoda, or you could also see available Airbnb properties in the town.

Want more updates about recent package tours and tourist spots in Baguio City, Philippines? Follow #TeamOutofTown on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.

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