Marikina unveils Cityhood Park

Marikina City Mayor Marides Fernando led the inauguration of the Marikina City Cityhood Park, described as a landmark of city pride.

The park is located along Shoe Avenue in the heart of the city, where the city’s famed sports complex, recent host to the women’s football matches of the 23rd Southeast Asian Games, stands. It is "a monument dedicated to Marikina’s ninth year anniversary of cityhood."

City architect Joy Alarcon said the Cityhood Park is an open public park with a spectacular fountain as its centerpiece, framed by a Spanish inspired facade, upon which 12 carillons are set.

The bells were imported from Italy and have been programmed to play tunes every hour from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The bells can be heard within a 700-meter radius. Dazzling lights flood the park come nighttime.

"The Cityhood Park represents the triumph of our hard toils. It is a monument that bespeaks of what Marikina has become as a model of character and its continuing saga amidst the challenges of the present time. It speaks of our city’s readiness for the world," Fernando said in her inaugural speech.

At a prominent spot in the Spanish wall there is a big clock like those seen in European parks, lending it an old world charm.

While adding beauty to the park structure, the clock also serves a more noble purpose, the Marikina mayor pointed out.

"The big clock is meant to encourage Marikeños to be conscious of time. Being productive is one important attribute that we want Marikeños to be known for," she said.