Ninoy Aquino Wildlife Center in QC to Get Own Walkway

(SPOT.ph) Open spaces are few and far between in Metro Manila, especially if it's a green area that we're looking for. While a push towards more of these spots—the type with trees and fresh air—has gotten stronger in the past few years, it's still a long way to go before we become a truly walkable national capital.

One such effort towards this greener future is a walkway currently being built to connect two major parks of Quezon City: the Memorial Circle and the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center. And it won't be just your usual pedestrian overpass. We're talking a full "elevated landscaped promenade."

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Quezon City links Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center with Memorial Circle with an elevated promenade

Construction for the elevated walkway began during the Holy Week break. A section of the multi-lane roundabout was closed off to traffic for the structure's main skeleton to be put in. "Sinimulan na ang konstruksyon ng elevated landscaped promenade na magdudugtong sa Quezon Memorial Circle at Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center," announced the Quezon City government. 

They also shared renders of the planned promenade, which featured different lanes for walking, seating areas, and lots and lots of plants. You can see that the walkway slopes up smoothly from the Memorial Circle—a very welcome change from the usual high-climb we take on a typical overpass. This promenade is bound to be a lengthy one, as based on the released art, it will start well within the park, cross over the many lanes of the Circle, and end inside the Wildlife Center. 

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The designs for the walkway came from the City Architect's Office, with approval from the City Engineering Department. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources was also tapped for the plans. 

While the QC Circle itself is a popular destination for people looking to chill in an open green space, the same can't be said for the commuting and transit hubs around it. There is one well-maintained underpass from the City Hall to the park, but apart from that, you'll have to contend with the traffic, sun, and smoky city air to get to and from anywhere else. This promenade, alongside big plans for a massive bike lane system, sets a different tone for this major city hub.