Clark Airport Corporation to Open New Free Community Park with Historic Preservation
The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) has made a significant announcement regarding the imminent public opening of the newly constructed Clark Aviation Capital (CAC) Picnic Grounds. This expansive community park is strategically situated along Gil Puyat Avenue in close proximity to Clark International Airport (CRK), promising to become a vibrant hub for local residents and visitors alike.
Modern Amenities and Free Access for All
Designed as a fully accessible public space with no entrance fees, the CAC Picnic Grounds will offer a comprehensive array of amenities aimed at promoting health, recreation, and social interaction. The park's infrastructure includes dedicated jogging and walking paths, state-of-the-art recreational and wellness facilities, a versatile amphitheater for performances, a safe and engaging playground for children, a designated pet park for animal lovers, and vast open areas ideal for gatherings and relaxation.
Additional features to enhance the visitor experience encompass a storm water reservoir or catch basin specifically engineered for effective flood mitigation, ample parking areas to accommodate guests, numerous park benches for seating, inviting coffee shops, community gardens for horticultural enthusiasts, and a variety of food and beverage stalls. This diverse offering makes the park perfectly suited for family outings, picnics, recreational activities, and tourism, as confirmed by CIAC officials.
Heritage Conservation and Environmental Stewardship
A cornerstone of the project's planning was the meticulous preservation of the site's dense concentration of century-old acacia trees, which were originally planted in the early 1900s during the American colonial period. The state-owned firm has provided assurances that not a single tree was felled during the construction phase, highlighting a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and historical conservation.
This picnic ground represents a key component of CIAC's ambitious Seven Flagship Projects under its Urban Renewal and Heritage Conservation Program. The initiative is designed to implement modern urban planning principles while actively promoting sustainability within the Clark Freeport zone, balancing development with ecological and cultural preservation.
Integration with Clark's Outdoor Network and Development Vision
Upon completion, the CAC Picnic Grounds will seamlessly complement other designated outdoor recreational areas in Clark, including the Clark Parade Grounds, Bicentennial Park, and Air Force City Park, creating a cohesive network of public spaces. The project's initial development phase, covering five hectares of the nine-hectare CIAC property, is nearly finished and is anticipated to open to the public in the very near future.
CIAC President Jojit Alcazar emphasized the corporation's dedication, stating, "As we develop the Clark Aviation Capital, we are committed to creating sustainable and inclusive public spaces that improve quality of life and foster stronger communities." As the aviation and land development arm of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), CIAC continues to advance its efforts to transform the Clark civil aviation complex into a premier global aviation and logistics hub, with this park serving as a testament to its community-focused approach.
