People's Park

People's Park is a cultural-theme park located at the center of Davao City. It is the brainchild of the then mayor of Davao City, Rodrigo Duterte, who, in December 15, 2007, led the ceremonial inauguration of the park. 

The 4-hectare park got its name from a "Name the Park" contest by the city government which was won by Romeo Sardon, a retired electrician and seaman. He bagged the P50,000 grand prize money for winning among the 918 entries that were submitted in contest.

This P72-M park is once an old, dilapidated Palaruang Panlunsod or commonly known as the old PTA ground where the city used to host athletic meets, sports events, orchid shows, concerts, and other citywide events. Now, the old PTA ground has transformed into a clean and beautiful park adorned with tropical rainforest trees, large sculptures, interactive fountains, ponds and waterfalls, a durian dome, a shady and open plaza, and a statue of a gigantic Philippine eagle, and is frequented by locals, visitors, and foreign tourists. The once dilapidated PTA ground has now become a city landmark and a major attraction in Davao City.

The Durian Dome

The Durian Dome serves as the visitor's center and main entrance which opens to the park. This spiky dome roof was artistically designed after the spiky shell of the durian, a tropical fruit which Davao City is known for.

Entrance

The Promenade

The oval race track from the old sports complex was retained and permanently paved with bricks and is now called, 'The Promenade,' since the track is a favorite venue among joggers and health buffs for morning physical fitness and therapeutic exercises. Joggers can now jog around the oval amid the beautifully landscaped lush greenery and quiet ambiance of the park. Surrounding it are: a bambusetum, a collection of the different species of bamboo; a shady plaza where African tulips are planted within the 3,750 square meter-area; and an open plaza with a walk-through rainbow drive featuring some collections of potted palms.

At the center of the oval track is a wide grassy area with a dancing fountain which is considered the first in Mindanao, and a long, wide bridge which affords a panoramic view of the entire park. Also, there is a sloping hill filled with tall, stately pine trees that were brought-in from Baguio and Benguet in Luzon. Behind this area is the park's man-made "rainforest" that stretches all the way to the opposite side of the park close to the exit gate.

Rainbow colored tracks of the Oval

Health buffs doing morning exercise at the Promenade

The Dancing Fountain
The first in Mindanao

The Bridge with the view of the Dancing Fountain

Dancing Fountain

Stately Pine Trees brought-in from Baguio and Benguet adorn the Park

Beautifully landscaped lush greenery

Venue for concerts and entertainment shows

The wide grassy area of the park was retained for open-air concerts and entertainment shows.

Sculpture of the Lumads of Davao

There are many  beautifully handcrafted concrete artworks and figures representing the Lumads, the indigenous people or tribe of Davao. The artworks were done by artist Kublai Millan, a well-known and prolific Davao sculptor who created the Freedom statue in front of the Sangguniang Panlungsod building.

Gigantic sculpture of the Philippine Eagle

Waterfalls

Part of the forested area of the Park is a 10-meter man-made waterfalls against a backdrop of a volcanic rock wall. The water flows from the fall to a river that seeps into man-made lakes under the tall forest trees.

Man-made volcanic rock wall

Benches all around the Park

Bench

Pigeons are a common sight at the Park

Kids' Playground

Children at play

The People's Park of Davao City mirrors the rich culture of the city, and the lifestyles of the Davaoeños. It has become a popular destination among locals and visitors, and is always packed with people from all walks of life and ages. A handful of foreign tourists can be seen strolling along the park. Many buses full of visitors coming from the nearby and far-flung provinces regularly line-up the streets of Jose Camus and J. Palma Gil to see and experience the park. Filipino songs are played through the Park's piped-in music. Caregivers and wheelchairs are available for the disabled. Several CCTVs are installed strategically through out the Park to ensure the safety and security of the visiting guests. Best of all, the entrance is FREE!

Christmas time at the Park

How to get to the People’s Park

The Park is situated in the heart of the city right across Casa Leticia at the corners of Jose Camus and J. Palma Gil streets, and is a walking distance from Apo View Hotel, Mandaya Hotel, shopping malls, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, commercial establishments, and entertainment areas.

Map to the People's Park