Burnham Park
Luzon Region
Burnham Park, officially known as the Burnham Park Reservation, is a historic urban park located in the heart of Baguio City, Philippines. Designed by American architect and city planner Daniel Burnham in 1905, the park was part of a larger plan for Baguio and reflects the City Beautiful movement with its orderly layout and central lagoon. The park was originally built on the grassy valley known as the "Baguio meadow" of the Ibaloi settlement of Kafagway. Its design includes a man-made lake called Burnham Lake, which serves as the park's centerpiece, surrounded by regimented rows of grass and sidewalks. The park features twelve designated clusters, including the Athletic Bowl, Burnham Lagoon, Children's Playground, Igorot Garden, Japanese Peace Tower, Melvin Jones Grandstand, Orchidarium, Picnic Grove, Pine Trees of the World, Rose Garden, Skating Rink, and Sunshine Park. Burnham Park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists offering recreational activities such as boating on the lake and sports in the Athletic Bowl. The park is maintained by the Baguio City Environment and Parks Management Office, with regulations prohibiting smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, and selling personal services within the park. A bust of Daniel Burnham and a commemorative plaque honor his role in the park's establishment. Despite modifications over the years, the open field used for football and the Melvin Jones Grandstand remain faithful to Burnham's original design.
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Tip: The best time to visit Burnham Park is during the cooler months from November to February to enjoy pleasant weather. Visitors are encouraged to rent boats on Burnham Lake for a relaxing experience. It is advisable to check local schedules for any events at the Athletic Bowl or Melvin Jones Grandstand. Tickets for boat rentals and other activities are available on-site, with possible discounts for groups or local residents. Smoking and alcohol consumption are prohibited within the park, so visitors should plan accordingly. Arriving early in the day helps avoid crowds and ensures a more peaceful visit.
Interesting facts
- •Burnham Park was designed by Daniel Hudson Burnham, the same architect behind the master plans for Chicago and Manila.
- •The park features a man-made lake approximately a century old, known as Burnham Lake, which is central to its design.
- •Burnham Park includes a Japanese Peace Tower, a symbol of friendship and peace.
- •The park's design follows principles of the City Beautiful movement, emphasizing orderly landscaping and beautification.
- •The Athletic Bowl within the park hosts an archery range and a nursery for seedlings grown by park administration.
History
Burnham Park was established following the 1905 city plan by American architect Daniel Burnham, who envisioned the park as part of Baguio's urban design.
The area was reserved for park purposes in 1925 by Governor General Leonard Wood.
Over the decades, the park's administration shifted between the Baguio city government, the Philippine Tourism Authority, and the National Parks Development Committee.
Since 1995, the Baguio city government has maintained full control over the park's operations.
Portions of the park were repurposed for public facilities, such as the Baguio City National High School in 1953.
Legislative efforts to designate Burnham Park as a national park have been proposed but not passed as of 2018.
Place Guide
Burnham Lakeearly 20th century
A century-old man-made lake at the center of the park, Burnham Lake offers boat rentals and is home to fish species such as tilapia, carp, and koi. The lake underwent significant dredging in 1994 and 2013 to maintain its depth and water quality.
Athletic Bowl
A track and field facility within Burnham Park that includes an archery range and a nursery for growing seedlings. It is a hub for sports and recreational activities in the park.
Melvin Jones Grandstand
A grandstand area used for events and gatherings, it remains one of the few park features adhering to Daniel Burnham's original design.
