Baguio Athletic Bowl

Baguio Athletic Bowl
Address Burnham Park
Location Baguio, Philippines
Owner Philippine Tourism Authority
Operator Baguio City Government
Acreage 7 hectares (70,000 m2)
Construction
Built 1945
Renovated 2014–2016

The Baguio Athletic Bowl is a sporting venue within the grounds of Burnham Park in Baguio, Philippines. Completed in 1945, the venue became dilapidated but is currently undergoing renovation work.[1]

History

The Baguio Athletic Bowl was built in 1945.[1] The venue is under the ownership of the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA). Through Executive Order 224 issued by President Fidel V. Ramos on February 10, 1995 transferring the management, administration, and maintenance responsibilities from the PTA to the Baguio City Government. Further powers were given to the city government when it is given rights to “control and further development" of Burnham Park in pursuant to Executive Order 695 issued by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued in January 10, 2008.[2]

2009 proposal

The Baguio City Government leased the park to an undisclosed company to develop the Athletic Bowl and Burnham Park for P1.43 per square meter. The deal between the investors and the city government was reached in December 10, 2009 and was later approved by the city council in December 11 of the same year. The property would have been leased for 25 years with a monthly lease of P100,000 per month, with a 10 percent increased after five years. The plan involved building a hotel, a driving range, and a bus terminal. The planned development was a subject of controversy among Baguio residents. On January 8, 2010, Baguio City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista, Jr. said that the plan is not yet final and is still a proposal.[2] The proposal was later scrapped by the city government.[3]

2014-2016 renovations

In 2012, Mayor Mauricio Domogan announced new plans to development of the Baguio Athletic Bowl and Burnham Park. The plan generated concerns with Councilor Edison Bilog calling Baguio residents to remain vigilant against commercialization of the park and cutting of trees for the development particular those at the World Park at the back of the Athletic Bowl. Domogan responded that the trees mentioned by Bilog will not be affected by the development and that he has sent the terms of reference of the project to the city council.[3]

At least three phases of renovation work are planned for the Athletic Bowl. Phase 1 involved the construction of a multipurpose office, a grandstand and the 75 percent completion of the venue's bleachers. The bleachers was installed by Department of Public Works and Highways-Cordillera. Phase 1 was completed in January 2015 and Phase 2 of the renovation work started. Phase 2 was suspended in early February 2015 due to Baguio's hosting of the 2015 Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association Meet and the annual Panagbenga Festival celebrations. Phase 2 resumed after the conclusion of Panagbenga celebrations in March.[4][5]

Phase 2, was planned to be completed by February 2016, in time for the 2016 Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (Caraa) meet[6] which involved the installing of rubber tracks from Switzerland, continuation of unfinished bleachers and repair of the venue's old drainage system. Spurway Enterprises and R.U. Aquino Construction was involved in this phase.[1][7]

2016 Reopening and further refurbishment

The Baguio Athletic Bowl was reopened to the public on January 29, 2016 following about two years of renovations. A 5,000 meter fun run activity was organized as part of the reopening ceremonies.[8]

Phase 3 is planned to commence in March 2016 which includes the reconstruction of the second bleachers.[8]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "DPWH wants oval rehab finished soon". Sun Star Baguio. 7 September 2015. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
  2. 1 2 Corsino, Nikka (10 January 2010). "Baguio OKs 'irregular' Athletic Bowl deal". GMA News. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
  3. 1 2 Dumlao, Artemio (1 September 2012). "Baguio Athletic Bowl dev't project stirs controversy". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
  4. ↑ Pasagoy, Mark Victor (5 March 2015). "Athletic Bowl rehab resumes". Sun Star Baguio. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
  5. ↑ Pasagoy, Mark Victor (4 November 2014). "Council approves Athletic Bowl rehab fund". Sun Star Baguio. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
  6. ↑ "Baguio Athletic Bowl ready for Caraa". Sun.Star Baguio. January 24, 2016. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
  7. ↑ Pasagoy, Mark Victor (31 July 2015). "Master plan needed for Athletic Bowl". Sun Star Baguio. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
  8. 1 2 Pasagoy, Mark Victor (29 January 2016). "City reopens newly improved Athletic Bowl". Sun Star Baguio. Retrieved 31 January 2016.

Coordinates: 16°24′28″N 120°35′45″E / 16.40778°N 120.59583°E / 16.40778; 120.59583

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