For the First Time in a Long Time

The provincial plaza in town is one or I think the most favourite tambayan in the place. It is frequented by young and old at any time of the day which makes it more the livelier.

Due to the place's different hotness that it's relaxing to sit by the shades at the basketball court, in the shade at the skating area or under the trees. The cool breeze and pleasant ambiance makes it a more better place to meet and greet. Because it is located near the college, the primary and the high school that you can see mostly students in groups playing, chatting and some even are doing their school works.

One place where children gather to play is the children's park. However it was closed to public in the later months of 2019 for renovations. I must say that it was neglected for the past years because it's not a comfortable place to sit with kids when it is hot. It gets a bit flooded after a heavy downpour and puddles of water remain at the foot of the slides, the seasaw, and some other areas.

When I was younger, me and my friend would ride a jeepney just to go play at the park and roam around the plaza without our parents knowledge jaja... And the last time I went there was when my eldest was three year old. That was the only time I brought him to the children's park.

During the pandemic the plaza was gradually beautified that the stairs at the main entrance was painted the colors of the rainbow and even the concrete part outside the multipurpose building. I wasn't able to have pictures of it because I don't have time to roam around with little kids in tow.

The monument of Dr. Jose Rizal was also enhanced from its old, dull appearance. Likewise, the old fountain was replaced by an "Ato" wherein christmas lights were installed last December.

Thankfully, the children's park was finally done and opened to the public on the 3rd or 4th week of October. Since then it was always full of children with their parents or whoever brought them there.

In one check-up of my two kids I brought them there after we were done with the doctor in a private clinic. Graeden who is three years old have had enjoyed the slides and the swing. However, he was afraid of the elephant slide which is a bit steep.

The park before has slides, swings, monkey bar, seasaws and the merry-go-round which caused the death of a two-year old boy after falling from it. If I am not mistaken even the swing had caused an accident when an older child lost his grip of it and was thrown over. That was because he had been swinging forcefully and too fast and going higher.

Today, most are slides that is friendly even to little kids because it's not like the old slides which just go directly down and a tendency that a child will fall to the ground after sliding down. Superheroes the kids love were also installed, two minions and hello kitty. A comfort room was also built. There were additional shades, concrete tables and benches at the sides.

Last Saturday, the kids keep bugging me in going to town to also play at the park. That is why I brought them there after doing the laundry even if I don't have a budget. Because it was Saturday and it was cloudy that it was crowded as expected. Thankfully, the kids knew how to observe safety as there were some kids who like to own the place. You can also see some parents patiently encouraging their child who is afraid to slide through although they already climbed the stairs. And I tell you they are dads, sana all n lang ako 😄.

While sitting with the baby in a bench watching and looking for a child after the other because they get out of sight and gets mixed with the other kids I was observing. Some kids are not into playing and would bump into some random other kids with an unfriendly face. Some are already throwing tantrums. And the place gets dusty as kids run about.

Closing thought

Mountain Province's capital town is now becoming a little city that it is the center of trade, industry and education. Not only the town's people but everyone who came here to reside for the said purpose has a child or children who needs a place to play. Thankfully, the children's need of physical and outdoor play was eventually given attention. It is where they bond with their family totally away from digital world. It is a place they develop some skills needed. In short, it is essential for growth development not only on physical aspect but mentally, emotionally and socially.

Hopefully additional improvements will be done at the plaza like having a giant Christmas tree to make use of the giant post will also be made during the yuletide season.

11-22-22

Z_Graeden