Burnham Lake closes as rehabilitation begins

Baguio City, Philippines – Visitors and locals of Baguio City should choose alternative sites, such as Botanical Garden, Mines View Park, among other scenic spots, for their dates and picnics as Burnham Lake temporarily closed for a multi-phase rehabilitation, starting October 1, 2025.

The famous lake’s closure comes after over a decade since its last major dredging in 2013 that removed silt from the lake bed. Maintenance efforts that followed have been minimal - limited to surface cleaning and treatment for algal bloom through “BLUEming” project in 2023.

Phase 1 of Burnham Park Master Plan

The ongoing rehabilitation led by the Department of Tourism’s infrastructure arm, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), marks the start of the first phase of Burnham Park master development plan, a long-planned effort by the city government of Baguio to upgrade and restore the landmark

The first phase, according to City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) Engineer II Jaquilyn Tino, involves the improvement of the lake and its surrounding areas. A retaining wall will be built, and the boat docking section will be upgraded.

Under the rehabilitation plan, a cantilever deck will be installed along the lake where visitors may fish, more benches will be added for parkgoers, and the central fountain will be removed.

The phase one is slated for completion in April 2026. During the said period, the lake will not be accessible to the public to allow implementation of necessary works.

The closure covers the jogging area at the inner portion of the park, but the outer jogging path and biking zones will remain open, said CEPMO head Atty. Rhenan Diwas.

Boat concessionaires affected

The CEPMO head acknowledged that the rehabilitation affects boat concessionaires but noted that efforts are underway to provide alternative livelihood opportunities. Some concessionaires, he said, may be hired as workers for the project, while the City Social Welfare and Development Office will extend food or cash assistance to those affected.

Diwas further clarified that the rehab is not a sudden move. Its planning started in 2019. CEPMO also conducted consultations with various stakeholders, including the boating concessionaires, for the plan.

Phase 2 to 4

The second phase of the project will focus on enhancing the park’s sidewalks, while third phase will be dedicated to renovating the children’s park. The fourth and final phase will cover improvements to the skating rink.

The closure will remain in effect until further notice.

Diwas assured the public that no trees will be cut or removed throughout the project.