Burnham Park is the heart of Baguio City. Burnham is considered as the queen of the parks in Baguio city. Baguio has Burnham Park as Manila has Rizal Park. It can be found on a two-hectare land which is Baguio’s most expensive land. It was named after its architect, Mr. Daniel Burnham. Burnham Park is close to Session Road where most of the commercial establishments can be found. It is also just a few meters away from the market and from the Baguio Cathedral.
Daniel Burnham designed the park in the early nineteen hundreds. He was also the main architect for Baguio city. He created it to give Baguio city a recreational site where visitors and residents can just come and relax. He also added several flowers and trees to make the place green and beautiful. He was also the person who planned the lake that serves as one of the main attractions in the park. Burnham Park has retained most of the original lay-out made by Daniel Burnham.
What to Expect
Today there are some Filipino aspects added to the park like a vibrant area for several activities that people can enjoy. It now has twelve areas namely; man-made lake, playground, Rose Garden, skating rink, Igorot Garden, Orchidarium, Athletic Bowl, picnic grove, Pine Trees of the World, Japanese Peace Tower, Sunshine Park and the Melvin Jones Grandstand. There are some restaurants in the park and a viewing deck as well.
Burnham Park has more visitors during the Holy Week, Christmas time and during the months of summer. Most people go to Burnham to enjoy a picnic with their family or friends. Visitors will also see many children enjoying in the playground. You can also see the beauty of the orchids in the Orchidarium and the different plants in the Sunshine Park. In the center of the park is the lake where people can enjoy a boat ride. Some of the musical concerts in Baguio are usually held in the Melvin Jones Grandstand. Local variety shows have also broadcasted live from Baguio in the grandstand. It is also the field where sports like football and tennis are played. Other activities common in the park are basketball and skating.
During New Year’s Eve Burnham Park is also filled with people because it is one of the places where the countdown happens. Others go to Burnham Park to walk around and take their pictures with the flowers and pine trees. Others like seating in the benches enjoying conversation with their friends. You can also bike around the park.