PAROLA ECO PARK: An Ecological Approach Development and Large-scale Transformation of Parola, Kalaklan, extending to Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Thesis Proponent: Lico, Maurisette M.
Thesis Adviser: Ar./EnP Rolando P. Addun, FUAP, PIEP
Columban College, Inc., Year 2023
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I. BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT
Living in a densely populated city can be repetitive and can lead to mental weariness. Appreciating natural elements for a few minutes or hours can have a positive impact on human emotions and cognitive performance. “Eco Park" is a shortened form of "Ecological Park”. The primary objective of an ecological park is to conserve biodiversity while also functioning as a recreational park without adversely impacting its natural environment. It is also a location that supports diverse wildlife with minimal energy input and is introduced into urban areas. On the other hand, Eco Parks allow individuals to interact with one another and meet new people. People can build a sense of community because of this. Parks provide a haven for people, especially in playing an important role in mental well-being and quality of life. Building a healthy network of parks in a community is one of the most important ways to protect local ecosystems. Many countries have already embraced greener spaces in their towns.
However, in the Philippines, there are still cities that lack the integration of ecologically balanced parks into their towns. In a news article, Nathaniel "Dinky" von Einsiedel, a professional environmental planner and architect, claimed that there are still areas in the Philippines without an increasing supply of public parks and open spaces. The scarce supply is shrinking, with plazas and open spaces converted into basketball courts and barangay halls. Many inner-city districts have deteriorated due to years of neglect and a lack of competent urban management. People add structures to fill gaps; whatever public areas remain are shrinking as private spaces expand and encroach on public places. Therefore, there is a need for planners to be opportunistic in their work in urban areas where open space is scarce. No matter how small a location is, the chance to establish an ecological park should not be overlooked. In Olongapo City alone, excluding Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ), there are only a few known parks: Marikit Park and Volunteers Park.
This research is a thesis proposal for the development, and large-scale transformation of landscape, of Parola, Kalaklan extending to Subic Bay Freeport Zone into an Ecological Park, intending to identify the possibilities and condition of the current site to restore it to an ecologically balanced and sustainable park. This research encompasses ecological park and tourism space design issues, architectural approaches, principles, practices, and policies of ecotourism, as well as nearshore structure design and construction requirements. The project attempted to enhance and restore the location's environmental state by integrating an ecological park model with the facilities and services required to meet the community's needs without harming the environment.
II. PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The proposed project, Parola Eco Park, aims for:
• Modify the notion of urban parks that are picturesque.
• Enhancing accessibility and usability for individuals of diverse ages and abilities.
• Develop an ecologically responsible site design that maximizes natural site benefits and reduces negative environmental effects.
• Revitalize Parola’s landscaping and enhance ecological value.
• Educate both residents and tourists regarding the ecological significance of Parola and the flora and fauna present in the site.
• Helping promote tourism in Olongapo City.
III. SUMMARY OF SITE DESCRIPTION
The proposed location is situated in the Municipality of Olongapo, which is an administratively independent and densely populated city. The first site, Parola, has transformed into a favorable location for family gatherings, deviating from its original purpose. The area was previously contaminated with waste, and the water quality was inadequate for recreational swimming. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a decrease in COVID-19 cases was observed in Olongapo and the location has gained popularity among youths for unregulated swimming, eating out, and primarily observing the sunrise or sunset.
The second location is the vacant lot close to the resort hotels at Lighthouse Marina. The two sites are separated by the Kalaklan River. The site can be accessed from Olongapo via blue jeepneys with J08 or J09 code (Parola) and taxis (SBFZ).
IV. DESIGN SOLUTIONS
A. CONCEPT SHEET
Design Philosophy
The wellness of a city population is reflected in the availability of parks and other green areas.
Design Concept
Rebuilding a city's future resilience by reintroducing nature through ecological urban planning.
Design Objectives
The following are the design objectives for this project:
• To be able to enhance pedestrian safety, traffic flow, and circulation.
• To be able to make the Parola more accessible and usable for individuals of all ages and abilities.
• To be capable of designing a space with diverse sitting and viewing options.
• To be able to improve overall seating capacity without providing an excessive number of benches, and to construct seating places that meet the demands of different types of sitters.
• To be able to create a sustainable site design that emphasizes natural site advantages and minimizes environmental impacts.
• To be able to revitalize the sites' landscaping and enhance ecological value.
• To facilitate connectivity while fostering a sense of accessibility and place.
Design Considerations
The following are the design considerations for this project:
• Unobstructed pedestrian flow, clear signs and signals, and distinctive crosswalk zone.
• Ramped curb cuts, for wheelchair users and baby carriages; and tactile paving for visually impaired people.
• Universal seating areas.
• Green spaces and acoustic treatment.
• Sustainability and Ecological Analysis.
• Site Fitness and Law Codes and Provisions.
• Physical setting, activities, and attractions.
V. FINDINGS
The study evaluated three (3) potential sites for development and ultimately selected Parola in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, applying a biophilic design approach to restore its ecological value and strengthen the connection between people, nature, and built structures. A tourism-potential survey revealed that most respondents were long-term residents at Olongapo City, with non-residents primarily visiting for school and recreation; while Rizal Triangle Park and Marikit Park were widely recognized and frequented, only 62.7% were familiar with Parola. Overall park usage was low, and respondents rated the city’s parks—and Parola in particular—as generally average to poor in quality, especially regarding landscaping, water quality, accessibility, safety lighting, and cleanliness. Satisfaction with Parola was also low, yet many respondents expressed interest in visiting it based on recent photos, and 88.2% supported its development into an ecological park. Survey insights highlighted the need to incorporate relevant laws, codes, and user-driven preferences into planning, with amenities such as picnic and seating areas, campsites, playgrounds, concession stands, and kayaking identified as the most desirable features for the proposed ecological park.
VI. CONCLUSION
The study concludes that the Kalaklan and the site at Subic Bay Freeport Zone, are the most suitable locations for development due to its urban setting and limited access to quality public parks, reinforcing the need for a new ecological destination. Adopting a biophilic design approach aligns with goals enhancing human-nature connection and promoting environmental stewardship. Survey findings revealed that while many respondents—mostly long-term Olongapo residents—frequently visit the city for education and recreation, awareness and usage of Parola remain low due to its insufficient amenities and overall poor site conditions. The low park visitation rate and widespread perception that existing parks lack quality highlight the need for a new ecological park that directly addresses these shortcomings. Respondents indicated only moderate satisfaction with Parola and expressed a desire for better recreational experiences, highlighting the need to improve safety, functionality, and environmental quality. The strong public interest in transforming Parola into an ecological park demonstrates a desire for a more livable community, and preferences for both traditional park features and unique water-based activities suggest that combining familiar amenities with innovative offerings will help attract visitors and foster local development.
The study recommends further site evaluation to verify the technical suitability of the proposed location and the full integration of biophilic design principles to ensure nature-inspired forms, materials, and experiences throughout the ecological park. It advises enhancing leisure and recreational opportunities in Olongapo City by closely assessing Parola’s strengths and weaknesses, understanding why many residents rarely visit parks, and identifying the missing features and amenities in existing public spaces. Priority improvements should address Parola’s landscaping, water quality, accessibility, safety, lighting and cleanliness, while also determining inclusive recreational activities that appeal to diverse age groups and abilities. This research further suggests developing strategies to effectively introduce the ecological park concept to the community to raise environmental awareness and support ecosystem preservation. Ultimately, the recommendations emphasize revitalizing interest in urban parks to foster a healthier, more livable city and encouraging local authorities to expand green spaces and recreation facilities that strengthen environmental benefits and improve overall quality of life—one capable of meeting the needs of a rapidly growing urban population.
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