Quezon Memorial Circle Park

Rather than focus on world-shaking events (such as the sudden outbreak of internal war in Israel or on macro economic issues), I choose a topic of community interest today.

A walk in the park at 88. A day after I had achieved the milestone of 88 years, I drove in the early morning alone to the Quezon Memorial Circle area. What I saw generally pleased me.

The Quezon Memorial Elliptical Road Park is like an “island.” It is impossible for pedestrians to just walk to and cross to it. Continuous fast-moving motor vehicle traffic won’t allow it. The road itself is a convergence point of all traffic to-and-from different parts of our big metropolis. The road is eight motor lanes wide. The island can be reached only through vehicles and only through underground pedestrian traffic from across the City Hall area (as far as I know).

One pays P20 to park, to control entry, but once inside and parked, one can stay as long as needed. Taxis can deliver and pick passengers at some limited points. Big loads of dedicated buses are allowed, but limited.

The park itself has become a popular place to visit. Big public events, like festivals and conventions and even political meetings are allowed by permission. On this Sunday, it was a normal visit of people who go there for a break in the park.

Upon arrival, I walked the pathways along the periphery of the park. Here I passed by some dedicated areas were the garden stores are located. All of them were still closed,  but one can peer through their enclosed contents. I walked until I no longer could. The area of the park which is being built as a train station for the rail line from North Avenue to the Batasan area is off-limits while construction is ongoing.

What I like about the park. It was a weekend, and the park was full of people early in the morning. Many visitors were doing their own health improvement routines: walking, jogging, self-exercise through body calisthenics. Some park goers were in small groups, others in pairs, and many on solitary missions for their individual health.

The park has provided some facilities to help those who want some exercise challenge. There is a part of the park dedicated toward muscular