La Mesa Ecopark

MWSS built the La Mesa Park and resort in the 1950’s. It was opened to the public and became a prime picnic spot for Metro Manila residents until the mid 1970’s. The Park was eventually closed, leaving the Park facilities in the state of disrepair. It was in 2001 that the QC government, ABS-CBN Foundation and the MWSS conceptualized the restoration of the La Mesa Park with the aim of creating the Park into a center for biodiversity conservation and environmental education and to provide a venue for recreation and a true forest experience to the Filipino family.
The existing swimming pool, bathhouse, picnic ground facilities, playground, kiosks and pavilions were restored in 2003. The pool was opened to the public on April 2004.

Other facilities were eventually added to the Park.
The lower La Mesa Dam spillway was transformed into a boating lagoon while the other spillway was created into a fishing lagoon.
The eastern corner of the dam slope was transformed into an amphitheater while the main slope was planted with several species of flowering plants to create the flower terraces.
The eastern portion of the Park was transformed into an orchidarium which houses over 2,000 orchids/plants.
An Eco-center complex is being constructed. This center will house the administration offices, the eco-museum, a multi-purpose lecture hall (where environmental seminars and workshops will be held) and public restrooms. Exercise stations were also constructed in the fitness trail.

More improvements are being conceptualized for the La Mesa Ecopark. Description of Environmental Performance
As far as can be determined from historical information and existing facilities, the restoration of La Mesa Park caused very limited land disturbance. This is inferred from the fact that no major development has been introduced. Initial improvements are limited to the restoration of existing structures. In addition, the buildings that were constructed had limited footprints. Consequently, it is interpreted that the environmental impacts during the construction period are very limited and mostly confined to the working area. The construction could have affected some vegetation (but not trees).

Water from the boating lagoon, fishing lagoon, and the swimming pool area is sourced from the spillover of the La Mesa Dam. Irrigation water is sourced from the fishing lagoon. The potable water requirement of the La Mesa Ecopark is supplied by the MWSS water system. Average monthly water consumption of Ecopark is 1,900 cubic meters per day.

Primary treatment of wastewater in the Ecopark is through septic tanks.
No major sources of air pollution were identified in the Park. Motorized vehicles are not permitted beyond the Park entrance.

The Park Administration has enhanced the existing vegetation to create a lush environment. The La Mesa Ecopark aims to contribute to biodiversity conservation by using only Philippine endemic and indigenous species as landscaping materials.

Park operation also provides income opportunities to kiosk operators, concessionaires and tricycle drivers servicing the Ecopark visitors.
More importantly, the La Mesa Ecopark provides quality, nature based recreational opportunities. The Park’s simulated tropical forest environment is a healthier recreational alternative for urban dwelling residents of Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Further, the Park provides affordable, accessible and safe family outdoor recreation.

The primary objective of La Mesa Ecopark is to serve as a living classroom for environmental education and to showcase good environmental practice. Secondly, it aims to be center of excellence for environmental conservation through preservation of endemic flora and fauna. The third objective of the Park is to provide a venue for recreation and a true forest experience to the Filipino family. The fourth objective of the eco-park is to help support the reforestation and conservation programs of La Mesa Watershed.

The La Mesa Ecopark is designed with a green in mind, consistent with the Park’s objectives. Attractions offered by the Park promote environmental awareness and conservation. Activities in the Park are also interactive, allowing visitors to touch, feel, smell and breathe the nature experience.