Last October 6, 2012, the Senior Citizens Park was opened to the public as a replacement of the old Carbon Market warehouse, which was deemed unsafe after the February 2012 earthquake that occurred in Cebu and other parts of the Visayas. This project is also part of the Cebu City government’s efforts towards revitalizing and beautifying the downtown area.
Senior Citizens Park covers 3,033 square meters and is facing the ocean. Its design is based from the Fuente Osmeña Circle, and its construction was made possible through a public-private partnership. The Cebu City Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) said that even if the park was especially conceptualized for the seniors, it’s open for everybody.
the mural painting in the park (image source: www.tripadvisor.com)
The park comes with a fountain at the center, which resembles the Fuente Circle, as well as some benches to give convenience to Cebu City’s seniors. It’s also equipped with public comfort rooms that the elderly can comfortably use during the call of nature while they are strolling in the park. Aside from these features, there are trees, plants, flowers, lamp posts, and Bermuda grass here, making the place an ideal venue for relaxing, standing by, having a picnic, and enjoying nature.
the park at night (image source: www.tripadvisor.com)
According to OSCA, the Senior Citizens Park, which is currently under the management of Parks and Playground Commission, can be a perfect venue for holding events and special occasions meant for the elderly. The old Gotiaoco Building beside it, on the other hand, will be transformed into a Chinese heritage museum very soon.
To find Senior Citizens Park, you simply have to go at the back entrance of Cebu City Hall (M.C. Briones St.); the park is right across. Some of the jeepneys that pass here are 17D, 03A, and 06F. Another interesting structure you can go to nearby is the Compania Maritima, which is one of Cebu’s oldest buildings. It’s fronting SRP and offers a great exterior layout for all your picture-taking plans!
