Burnham Park | Baguio

Information

Landmark: Burnham Park
City: Baguio
Country: Philippines
Continent: Asia

Burnham Park, Baguio, Philippines, Asia

Burnham Park is a 32.84-hectare urban park located in the center of Baguio City. Designed by American architect Daniel Burnham in the early 20th century, it serves as the city's primary recreational space and "green lung."

Visual Characteristics

The park is centered around the Burnham Lagoon, a man-made lake often dotted with colorful swan-shaped paddle boats. The landscape features wide paved walkways, expansive grassy areas, and a variety of specialized gardens. The architecture is characterized by its open-plan design, with low-lying structures like the Rose Garden gazebo and the grandstand. The park is surrounded by Baguio's mountainous skyline and pine-tree-lined horizons.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Jose Abad Santos Dr, Baguio, 2600 Benguet.

Access: It is bounded by Shanum Street, Kisad Road, and Harrison Road.

Transport: Walking distance from Session Road and the Baguio City Public Market. Jeepneys from all parts of Baguio pass through the perimeter roads.

Entry: Admission to the park grounds is free. Fees apply for specific activities such as boat rentals, bike rentals, and the skating rink.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Conceptualized as part of the 1905 "Burnham Plan" for Baguio, the park was intended to be the centerpiece of the Philippines' summer capital. It was designed to provide a democratic space for leisure and community gathering. Ecologically, it contains hundreds of flower species in the Rose Garden and provides a significant cooling effect for the city's dense business district.

Key Highlights & Activities

Burnham Lagoon: The most iconic feature, offering boat rentals (hand-paddled or motorized).

Children’s Playground: A large, fenced area with various play equipment.

Biking Area: Dedicated lanes for renting single bikes, sidecars, or go-karts.

Rose Garden: Features a fountain, manicured lawns, and the bust of Daniel Burnham.

Orchidarium: A specialized garden showcasing highland flora and various orchid species.

Skating Rink: An outdoor facility for roller skating and recreational events.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The park features public restrooms, numerous benches, and a cluster of food stalls offering local snacks like strawberry taho. The Athletic Bowl is located at the southern end for sporting events. 5G cellular coverage is reliable.

Best Time to Visit

The park is open 24 hours daily. Early morning (05:00–08:00) is best for jogging and observing local life. Late afternoons provide cooler temperatures for boating. The park is most vibrant during the Panagbenga Festival in February.

Facts & Legends

Despite its location in a high-altitude city, the park sits in a natural basin. Consequently, it is prone to fog accumulation during the rainy season, giving it a mystical atmosphere.