AFTER several months of reconstruction, the Makati Commercial Estate Association (Macea) finally unveiled the new landscapes of Legazpi Active Park and Washington SyCip Park with “greener and refreshed” spaces where nature and art converge.
During their recent launching event, Macea President and Chairman David L. Balangue told the BusinessMirror that such initiative is part of Macea’s commitment to its greening projects and improve pedestrian friendliness in Makati.
This is also to enable the city to be on a par with other emerging trade hubs in the country and keep abreast of the premier cities all over the world, he said.
“We look at the Makati Central Business District as competing with the other CBDs. We need to reengineer ourselves [and] continuously look at ways by which we could differentiate ourselves with Bonifacio Global City [in Taguig] or Ortigas [in Mandalutong]. We also look at the other countries as well, because we have consultants who provide us valuable inputs on how we could improve living in the city,” the top executive explained.
As an organization of property owners in the Makati CBD, Macea continues to invest in an environment that is safe, secure and modern for its members.
For this particular project, the group approximately spent around P40 million, according to him.
With these upgraded parks in Makati, office workers, residents and the public can enjoy their new features, such as the koi pond, jogging paths, ampitheater, clean restrooms and pavilions. Park entrances and exits were added to provide access along natural pedestrian paths, while sculptures of notable Filipino artist Impy Pilapil add an artistic charm to the scenery.
Notable words of wisdom and motivation by Washington Sycip, the business icon whom one of the parks was named after, provide inspirations to parkgoers.
Various Philippine trees have been preserved despite the reconstruction to provide a soothing green surrounding with fresh air.
These newly renovated parks open at 6 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. Entrance is free of charge.
“Those who are in the Makati CBD, we encourage you to go to Legazpi Active Park and Washington SyCip Park. They’re safe, secure and clean—where you can relax, unwind and just get a very good break from your hard day’s work,” Balangue said.