About Burnham Park in Baguio

J.C. Lewis, Demand Media

Burnham Park lies in the heart of Baguio City in the Cordillera Mountains of the Philippines. The park
was a central feature of Baguio when the city was first planned and developed as a retreat for the
US military, and remains today as a beloved landmark. Baguio, with its mild climate, is a popular
tourist destination for Filipinos seeking a retreat from the heat of the lowlands, and Burnham Park
serves as a major attraction for both relaxation and recreational activities.
History
Burnham Park is named after Daniel Burnham, an American architect who was the city planner for
Baguio. He designed the park and the original plans for the city simultaneously, and construction
began around 1904. Burnham Park covers the only large expanse of level ground within hilly
surroundings. The modern park, although smaller than the original park due to urban development,
retains much of its original design and layout. The park played an important role when it served as a
place of refuge for the people of Baguio following a devastating earthquake in 1990.
Landscape
Burnham Park overlooks the tallest mountain in the region, Mount Kabuyao. It features a man-made
lake known as Burnham Lagoon, lawns, wooded areas, paved pathways and numerous flower beds.
The roses, marigolds, daisies and hollyhocks that thrive in the temperate environment of Burnham
Park are an unusual sight in the mostly tropical Philippines. The park has a rose garden with a bust
of Daniel Burnham, a picnic grove, veterans park, a section called Pine Trees of the World and a
Japanese Peace Tower. An orchidarium in the west of the park sells plants, trees and flowers.
Recreational Facilities
At the southern end of Burnham Park is a public ice rink where ice skate rentals are available. There
is a soccer field at the eastern end of the park, along with tennis courts and basketball courts. It also
features a childrens playground. Restaurants cater to park-goers, and there are seats and benches
throughout.
Activities
Visitors to Burnham Park may rent a boat and go rowing on the lake. A range of bicycles, including
tandem bikes, childrens bikes and bikes with side cars for small children are available for rental. The
parks paved pathways are ideal for gentle rides and walks. The park serves as a scenic venue for
walking and photography. During the rainy seasongenerally June to Septemberthe park is often
shrouded in fog and takes on a misty atmosphere. Flowers bloom in abundance following the end of
the rainy season.
Events
The Melvin Jones Grand Stand in Burnham Park is used periodically as a venue for parades,
concerts and political rallies. On certain Sundays, cadets from the local Philippine Military Academy
practice silent drills and the occasional parade.


http://traveltips.usatoday.com/burnham-park-baguio-16190.html


Burnham Park truly is the very heart of Baguio City. With an area of 32.84 hectares its
central location makes it the most valuable piece of Baguio real estate.
www.gobaguio.com/burnham-park-baguio-city.html Cached