Nurturing community spirit makes good real estate sense

To ensure the continued appre-ciation of land values in this idyllic 25-ha. community, Verdana Homes in Southern Metro Manila has started construction of expan-sive community facilities in a cen-tral park. Just 10 minutes from the Alabang Town Center, Verdana Homes is a project of Community Innovations Inc., an Ayala Land subsidiary.

Verdana master planner Gilbert Berba relates that 15,000 square meters of prime property in a central location was boldly designated as common area "largely be-cause of the conviction that neigh-bors who interact with one ano-ther are what ultimately make a great community." Intended to be a place where neighbors can con-gregate, know each other, and spend leisure time together, the park is no more than a five-minute walk from any point of the sub-division.

The park’s main structure is a 667-sqm. California-inspired club-house surrounded by lush land-scaping. Earmarked for celebra-tions marking family milestones, the social hall can seat as many as 100 persons indoors and some more in the surrounding covered areas. A separate air-conditioned room is available for smaller func-tions.

Outdoors, a resort-type swim-ming pool and a kiddie pool serve as park centerpieces. Intended for frolicking kids and adults, the main pool which is 25 meters at its longest end can also accommo-date serious swimmers.

True to the community’s name, a great deal of the Verdana central park has been devoted to greene-ry. Fruit trees such as santol, chico and macopa ring the park while a playing field for kite flying, junior soccer and other activities dominate the space. One corner of the park will be devoted to a meditation garden with swaying bamboos, rock formations, and pebble stones. Separated from the more active area by tall greenery, the garden is for those seeking serenity and tranquility.

For adults and teenagerss looking for a greater level of activity, a basketball court and jogging path with designated fitness and rest stations will also be construc-ted. The jogging path rings the park and allows its user to stroll or jog undisturbed by other resi-dents engaged in other activities.

For its most loyal users, the park will offer children modified rock climbing facilities and new play facilities that involve throw-ing balls into overhead hoops. This is in addition to favored playground facilities such as slides and rides mounted on springs.

Picnic grounds with barbecue pits likewise take full advantage of the pristine location. Over 400 sqm. will be devoted to families opting to take their meals out-doors.

According to Dan Abando, CII head of construction manage-ment, there is something for everybody in the Verdana central park. "This is so it can be a source of community pride as well as a center for social activities," he says. Best of all, the park promotes neighborliness, the main ingredient for vibrant communities.