‘Overground’ tunnels proposed for Mines View

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – “Overground” tunnels in Mines View?

            For Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, this idea is plausible to help the delisted park reclaim its lost stature.

          The alderwoman proposed a resolution urging the city government to include the construction of said tunnels as fencing and walkways for inclusion in the plan for the redevelopment of Mines View Park.

            “One interesting feature that can be added to the rehabilitation works is the construction of overground tunnels as fencing and walkways that shall lead the goers from the main entrance up to the viewing deck,” she said.

“The tunnel design may include a background of the city which shall orient the visitors and make them experience the thrill of the mining experience, consistent with the Park being a Mines View Park. This experience will make Mines View Park a unique and distinctive tourist destination.”

            The city recently the city prohibited all business activities inside the park while the replanning of the area is in the works.

Last year, the city cleared the park of stalls in preparation for the implementation of the redevelopment project to restore the area as a promenade center and tourist destination.

The evicted vendors were screened and those with legitimate contracts with the city were accommodated in the Mines View Park Multi-Purpose building constructed by the city for the purpose.

            Tabanda said Mines View Park which gives a panoramic view of the gold and copper mines of Benguet remains as a favorite tourist spot in the city.

“This vibrant business activity prompted the City Government to undertake  re-development and rehabilitation works to make Mines View Park even more interesting and conforming with the standards set by the tourism industry,” she said.

Tabanda’s proposal will be tackled in the regular session of the city council.