Valenzuela converts dike into boardwalk

THE Valenzuela City government has converted its 1.3-kilometer flood dike, originally for flood control, into a recreational walkway with a bike trail, among other amenities. The floodwall with a four-meter-wide linear park spans across the city's villages of Coloong, Tagalag and Wawang Polo, Mayor Weslie Gatchalian told The Manila Times via Viber. Inaugurated over the weekend with key city and barangay officials and the mayor's family and wife, Tiffany, the boardwalk would be an addition to the city's livable spaces designed for long runs, health walks and cycling activities for the local residents, Valenzuela's public information office said. "Instead of just keeping it as a flood control dike, we have decided to transform it into a recreational space, creating more purposeful spaces that promote a fit and healthy lifestyle for the 'Valenzuelanos'," Gatchalian said. The linear park was originally established as a flood control dike to control the flow of water traversing three Valenzuela villages and neighboring Meycauayan City, Bulacan, which was developed into a secured recreational area for pedestrian activities, he pointed out. After the inauguration, the mayor led the launching of the walkathon with over 200 senior citizens joining, with kids also enjoying go-karting. Prior to the event, elderly participants underwent a medical checkup to determine if they will be allowed to participate in the long walk, information officer Mara Salazar-Ignacio said. To ensure their safety, the event also had water stations, medic and rescue teams on standby, she said. The walkathon concluded with a champion, first to third runners-up, and special awards such as recognizing the oldest participants to walk in the marathon. Consequently, a free go-karting activity for kids ages 4 to 7 was also held on the other half of the boardwalk.