Burnham Park

Burnham Park is a historic urban park located in the heart of Baguio, Philippines, designed by Daniel Burnham, a renowned American architect and Chicago World's Columbian Exposition designer, in collaboration with Pei Cobb Freed & Partners and Frederick Law Olmsted. The park is situated near the Malacañang Palace summer residence and the University of the Philippines Baguio. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from Manila, Cebu, and other parts of the Philippines, as well as from Asia, Europe, and the United States. The park's design was influenced by the City Beautiful movement, which aimed to create beautiful and functional urban spaces, as seen in New York City's Central Park and San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.

Introduction

Burnham Park is a 32.84-hectare park that features a man-made lake, gardens, and walking trails, making it a unique blend of natural and urban landscapes, similar to Hyde Park in London and Tuileries Garden in Paris. The park is named after Daniel Burnham, who designed the park as part of a comprehensive plan for Baguio in the early 20th century, during the American colonial period in the Philippines. The park's design was also influenced by the Garden City movement, which emphasized the importance of green spaces in urban areas, as seen in Singapore's Gardens by the Bay and Vancouver's Stanley Park. Burnham Park is a popular spot for recreation and relaxation, attracting visitors from Ateneo de Manila University, University of Santo Tomas, and other universities in the Philippines.

History

The history of Burnham Park dates back to the early 20th century, when Baguio was established as a hill station by the United States government, during the Philippine-American War. The park was designed by Daniel Burnham in 1905, as part of a comprehensive plan for Baguio, which included the design of other public spaces, such as the Baguio Cathedral and the Baguio City Hall. The park was constructed during the American colonial period in the Philippines, with the help of United States Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Public Works (Philippines). The park has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including a major renovation in the 1990s, led by the Baguio City Government and the Department of Tourism (Philippines), with the support of Asian Development Bank and World Bank.

Geography

Burnham Park is located in the heart of Baguio, near the Session Road and the Baguio City Hall. The park is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, making it a cool and refreshing destination, similar to Davos in Switzerland and Whistler in Canada. The park features a man-made lake, which is surrounded by walking trails and gardens, designed by Landscape Architecture Foundation and American Society of Landscape Architects. The park's terrain is generally flat, making it accessible to visitors of all ages, including those from Japan, China, and South Korea. The park is also home to several species of trees and plants, including pine trees, oak trees, and bamboo, which are similar to those found in Yellowstone National Park and Yosemite National Park.

Attractions

Burnham Park is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the Philippines and the world, including Australia, United Kingdom, and Germany. The park features several attractions, including a man-made lake, where visitors can rent swan-shaped paddle boats and enjoy the scenery, similar to Lake Geneva in Switzerland and Lake Como in Italy. The park also features several gardens, including a rose garden and a rock garden, designed by Royal Horticultural Society and National Gardening Association. Visitors can also walk or jog along the park's walking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, similar to those found in Rocky Mountain National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. The park is also home to several restaurants and cafes, including Max's Restaurant and Jollibee, which offer a range of local and international cuisine, including Filipino cuisine, Chinese cuisine, and Italian cuisine.

Facilities

Burnham Park offers a range of facilities and amenities, including restrooms, picnic areas, and parking spaces, designed by American Institute of Architects and Urban Land Institute. The park also features several recreational facilities, including a skating rink and a playground, which are popular among children and families, including those from Disneyland and Universal Studios. Visitors can also rent bicycles and explore the park's trails and surrounding areas, similar to Central Park in New York City and Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. The park is also equipped with Wi-Fi and ATM machines, making it a convenient and accessible destination for visitors from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other parts of Asia. The park is managed by the Baguio City Government and the Department of Tourism (Philippines), with the support of Philippine Tourism Authority and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority. Category:Parks in the Philippines