In a bid to provide more green and open spaces for its residents, the Quezon City Government has opened a new bike park and trails at the Payatas Controlled Disposal Facility (PCDF).
Following the closure of the PCDF in 2010, Mayor Belmonte created a Technical Working Group (TWG) in 2020 tasked with the redevelopment of the former dumpsite into a public open space for recreational and environmental awareness purposes. This is in line with Mayor Belmonte’s 14-point agenda to build a liveable, green, and sustainable city.
“Ang Payatas Controlled Disposal Facility Bike Park ay isang patunay sa buong mundo na kaya ng Quezon City na magtayo ng ligtas at luntiang mga komunidad. Ang dating bundok ng basura, maaliwalas na at maaaring gamiting libangan at pasyalan,” said Mayor Belmonte.
The PCDF Bike Park will have four designated routes utilizing its asphalt roads and off-road trails. This consists of a 900-meter “Beginner Route” with three detours, to the “View Deck Route” with a scenic view of the park.
The other two are the “Beginner Trail,” and the “Perimeter Trail” featuring trails for mountain biking, gravel routes, and mild steep ascents and descents.
To date, the City has established 167 kilometers of protected national and city bike lanes as well as 15 bike ramps strategically located in overpasses and underpasses. Meanwhile, as of April 2023, the City has over 200 parks and open spaces. The goal of the local government is to double the number by 2030.
Aside from the bike park, the PCDF will have a bamboo park, a dog park, an open-air museum, and a plant nursery among others.
Furthermore, the City is conducting a Geotechnical Investigation and Slope Stability Analysis of the PCDF, being undertaken by the Quezon City Engineering Department and Woodfields Consultants Inc. to ensure the safety of the area.
The study revealed that under normal conditions with no extensive rainfall or any seismic activity, the Old Mound and portions of the landfill can be utilized for various activities such as biking, jogging, zumba, among others, but with strict limitations on the number of visitors to avoid crowding.
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