URBAN GREEN PARK. Officials of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Philippine Reclamation Authority and local city officials break ground for the development of the Roxas Boulevard Promenade on Wednesday (Sept. 13, 2023). The urban green space is expected to open before Christmas this year. (Photo courtesy of MMDA)

MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday broke ground to develop the Roxas Boulevard promenade, an offshoot of the Adopt-A-Park project, in Pasay City.

The park is expected to open before Christmas this year when families gather for quality time.

Located at the Libertad Pumping Station up to EDSA corner Roxas Boulevard, the urban social spot has a length of 800 linear meters and a width of 22 meters with an approximate development area of 17,495 square meters.

The pet-friendly park will feature a futsal area with mini-futsal field, artificial turf, benches, bleachers and fences. It also has a jogging path and bike lane, seating area and solar lamp posts.

MMDA acting chair Don Artes said the development of the park aims to promote an active lifestyle and contribute to the overall wellness of Metro Manila residents.

“The Roxas Boulevard Promenade Project is not just about creating a park; it is about creating a space where families can bond, advocate fitness, a place of recreation and leisure, and a place to breathe. This project is the first of many projects that will represent a harmonious blend of urban development and green spaces, designed to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Metropolitan Manila,” Artes said in his speech at the groundbreaking.

The MMDA and the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) also signed a memorandum of agreement for the park’s development.

Under the MOA, the PRA, being the owner of the site, has agreed to use the area to help promote urban greening open spaces development in the metropolis.

While still in talks with the PRA, Artes bared plans to extend the park to NAIA Road in Parañaque City. When realized, this would develop one of the longest and biggest linear parks in the National Capital Region.

Alfred Ty, chair of Federal Land Inc., the MMDA’s private sector partner in developing the Roxas Boulevard Promenade, said the importance of open spaces was realized during the pandemic.

“The new Roxas Boulevard Promenade will not only transform the Roxas Boulevard but will also set a new standard for urban social spaces,” he said.

The promenade is one of the more than 30 parks being developed as part of the MMDA’s urban renewal project. (PNA)