No carnival at Burnham Park – Domogan

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan did not sign the resolution to set up a carnival at the children’s playground in Burnham Park, citing safety issues regarding the amusement rides.

Domogan said he is against the resolution passed by the city council on Dec. 27 authorizing the operation of the Ola carnival because of numerous complaints that were brought to his attention about the unsafe rides and the poor condition of the carnival facilities.

The resolution authorized Ola to operate for five months starting next month

“We do not want to encounter the same problems that were experienced by the city when we allowed the operation of the carnival and amusement rides last summer. We are not in favor of the resumption of the operation of the controversial amusement rides, that is why we will just make do with what the park can offer to the public,” Domogan said.

The carnival operator was also blamed for damaging parts of the children’s playground which remain unrepaired.

Personnel of the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) said the carnival operator repaired the damaged pavement within the carnival site but did not repair the damaged grounds at the back of the children’s playground.

Under the proposed terms of the operation of the amusement rides and carnival, the operator will pay the city government R500,000 and that it will start operations by the first week of February.

Domogan said the city had come under fire last year for allowing the carnival to operate despite the safety concerns, so it is best to reject its operations and allow the rejuvenation of the park.

The mayor returned the resolution to the city council without his signature.