Rizal Park’s Children’s Playground Now and Then

Luneta Park was part of my childhood, I was one of the lucky ones who were able to slide, run and be merry at Rizal Park. We lived in a small town in Southern Mindanao and my grandparents lived in Manila. Every summer my Mom and I take a month long vacation in Manila so I can spend time with my Lolo. My Lolo loves me so much, I am the only grandchild that my Lolo spent time with because he died when I was 12 years old and my cousins weren’t born until after 5 years.

My memories of Luneta park bring tears to my eyes, a slight pinch on the heart and a smile.  All these because during my summer vacation, my Lolo and I used to spend the entire afternoon in Luneta so I can slide and swing all I want. He buys me balloons, cotton candies and dirty ice cream to my heart’s content. All I can think of at that time was to eat more and play more. When night falls, Lolo and I meet the rest of the family for dinner and often times we meet them at PICC grounds where Mom spent her day learning to cook or bake and then we eat whatever she made that day.

Looking back I wondered how Lolo managed to take care of an energetic and restless youngster that I used to be. It must been hard for his aging bones to look after me but he endured it all just to make me happy.

Today, I am delighted to say that the children’s playground at Rizal Park has been revived and renovated! It’s cleaner, more colorful and child friendly.

There’s an entrance fee of P10 and children 2 years and above are to pay in full. I think it’s just right that we pay a minimal fee. This is for the upkeep of our beloved children’s playground.

I hope that you and your kids will spend Sunday afternoons at Rizal Park’s Children’ s Playground and create memories of your own.