Lovely walks in Chateaux de Paris

MANILA, Philippines - The payoff for investing in public parks and recreation sites may be healthier, more physically fit residents and a less strained healthcare system, according to a US research. In one study cited in the report prepared by the researchers for the National Recreation and Park Association, spending an extra $10 per person on park and recreational facilities provided more vigorous exercise and better strength-building for all.

South Forbes Golf City, the country’s largest fully-integrated and all-themed golf resort city at the forefront of the Metro Sta. Rosa – Tagaytay corridor, recipient of the Best Golf Community Development by the 2007 CNBC International Property Awards, the world’s most prestigious property awards programme, and, recently, the Highly Commended Award for Best Development by the 2010 Bloomberg Asia-Pacific Residential Award, believes in the value of public parks.

“In fact, we have Châteaux de Paris, our French-themed enclave designed around several themed parks much like the French capital itself,” said Cathay Land president Jeffrey Ng. “This village has more parks than anywhere else.”

More for Your Health. The number of parks and playgrounds in a community can raise the fitness level of residents. For example, one study found that there was an increase of 17 more minutes of physical activity for each park within a half mile of a home. In addition, studies have shown that the closer parks and recreational sites are to where people live, the more people use them and the more physically active they are.

Châteaux de Paris has six themed parks all over the enclave. Not only do they provide a venue for physical fitness, but they offer a lot of sensory interest to all its users.

The Heart. From the main gate, the first visible feature will be The Clock Tower, the centerpiece of The Grand Rotunda at the very center of the property. From this garden, four different allée, or alleys bordered by trees or clipped hedges, radiate out towards the four main parks. Two reflection ponds and beautiful gardens border The Clock Tower, from which Châteaux de Paris residents can watch over their dominion.

Satellites. The French Pavilion lies at the allée North of The Grand Garden. Its circular dome offers ample seats and benches for residents to while away the time. The Southern allée leads towards The Theatre, as inspired by French outdoor theaters common during the 18th century. Creative performances can be staged by families at its elevated platform to the delight of their neighbors. The Green Hall lies along the Eastern allée. It features a tree-lined hallway that leads towards a central water fountain and a feature wall. Its open lawns are multi-purpose spaces for recreation and play.

An interesting landmark, l’Orangerie, lies at the Western allée’s end. It was inspired by the orangeries that cultivated the then exotic orange fruit from East Asia in the 18th century. Since the Philippines is a tropical country, The Orangery will likely feature the local citrus dayap.

For the Castle. The lush landscaping, likewise, plays an important role at the Châteaux de Paris Grand Clubhouse. An intricately laid out French garden, with a field of flowers, hedges, and topiary, heightens the experience of a warm welcome while a glorious fountain brings a refreshing feel.

“Looking at the opposite, if people are not going to parks, what would they be doing with that time? Would they be sitting around at home, drinking a few beers or sodas, eating chips, and watching reruns on television,” added Ng. “We want our residents to be leading healthy lifestyles so that they can be better people for their children and the community.”

Move in right here, right now. Call 635-7777 or 631-8855 for a free city tour or log on to www.southforbes.com for more information.