ACTIVITIES TO DO IN THE REOPENED LA MESA ECOPARK

(SPOT.ph) La Mesa Ecopark reopened to the public this weekend. Yes, we finally have one more park in the Metro where we can actually sit amongst trees and more. Wondering what awaits you when you visit? Sure you can get your picnic mats and selfie-ready OOTDs ready, but this reopening marks a new age for the environmental hub, one that brings to the forefront its importance as the last lung of Quezon City. Here's a quick guide on what to expect at the newly reopened La Mesa Ecopark.

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Here's your guide to the reopened La Mesa Ecopark

La Mesa Ecopark spans a whopping 33 hectares in Quezon City. The nature reservoir is known to be one of the Metro's last lungs as it is one of our few green spaces. In February 2024, the park was temporarily closed to the public due to major renovation efforts. This move comes after La Mesa Ecopark's management turned over from the ABS-CBN Foundation to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS). Today, management of the nature reservoir is a joint effort between the Manila Water Company and the Quezon City Local Government. 

More than just a park where guests can relax and have a picnic day with the fam, La Mesa Ecopark is rich in flora and fauna, ready to be discovered and spotted. The reopening comes with a campaign called BiodiverCity which positions La Mesa Ecopark as not just a recreational area but also a nature reservoir home to a variety of plants and animals, some of them endemic to the Philippines. 

Upon entering the park, you'll be treated to lush green forests, tree-lined roads, and pockets of green where you can sit and enjoy nature. Looking up in the trees, you might even spot a few creatures scurrying and flying around.

Some of the animals you might spot around the La Mesa Ecopark include: the  Lesser Dog-faced Fruit Bat (cynopterus brachyotis), Many-Lined Sun Skink (eutropis multifasciata), and the endemic Philippine Eagle Owl (ketupa philippensis).

Entrance fees and visiting hours at La Mesa Ecopark

The La Mesa Ecopark is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. To visit, guests are required to book their slots online. The management will only accommodate 1,000 reserved slots per day, and walk-ins will not be entertained. You can visit the Manila Water Foundation website and click the bird pop-up on your screen to learn more about booking your slots to La Mesa Ecopark. 

An admission fee of P20 will be collected per guest. Quezon City residents may enter the park free of charge. To avail this offer, simply present a valid ID with a Quezon City address.

Activities in La Mesa Ecopark

This June 29, La Mesa Ecopark reopened to the public, but only the park's first phase. The park is currently undergoing major renovation, and the different amenities and areas are being developed under a multi-phase scheme, meaning some areas may open ahead of others.

Birdwatching

Walking around the park you'll immediately hear tons of chirping birds. This chorus invites visitors to keep an eye out for the different feathered friends calling the reservoir their home. Ready your cameras and zoom lens because you're sure to spot different animals up the tall trees and heavy foliage. Guided birdwatching tours are also available. Simply visit the Park Office to book your guide during your visit.

Nature walks and running for fitness

Get fit while enjoying nature sounds at La Mesa Ecopark. Upon entering the premises, guests can be treated to a slight incline perfect for getting the sweat on. Run up the slope and around the park's phase 1 while basking in the beauty of the forest. 

Alternatively, you can also go for a casual stroll under the shade of the trees. During a warm day, La Mesa Ecopark is a great place to be. It is said that the area is one of the coolest spots in Quezon City with the heat index being lower than surrounding areas thanks to the many trees providing shade and fresh air. 

Many bikers and hikers would know La Mesa Ecopark has specific biking and hiking trails, but unfortunately, these areas are not yet open to the public. For now, those looking to get fit while in the park can enjoy the slopes and other walking and jogging areas in Phase 1. 

Wall climbing and rappelling

Show off your climbing skills and the fact that you aren't afraid of heights. Right in the outdoor recreational area is a climbing tower around two-stories high. Expend extra energy by climbing among the trees and getting a good view of La Mesa Ecopark's Phase 1 development.

Here are the rates for Wall climbing and rappelling at La Mesa Ecopark

• Wall climbing: P199
• Rappelling: P150

You can book these activities when you reserve your slots online. Alternatively, you can also walk-in at the recreational area to avail this activity.

Paintball

A portion of the recreational facility has been developed as a paintball arena. Run around with your friends in tactical gear and play a round of airsoft tag amongst the foliage. Recreate your favorite battle scenes from action movies or simply have a competitive round of good ol' shooting fun. 

A round of paintball costs P599 per head. This fee already includes the use of vests, helmets, and other protective gear, as well as the use of airsoft guns with 100 bullets. 

P.S.: Don't worry about polluting the area, the paint used in the bullets easily wash off with water, so the arena and the trees within it are safe. 

Archery Tag

Another fun game you can play with your friends and family while at La Mesa Ecopark is Archery Tag. 

ICYDK, Archery Tag is a game where you run around and "tag" other players by shooting them with foam-tipped arrows. Think of it as another form of paintball sans the mess and the intense airsoft guns.

This game is also played in the same area as paintball, so we recommend booking this ahead of time as there may be a long wait during peak days like weekends. 

Go on a picnic

What's a hangout without food? La Mesa Ecopark has a small food park where you can purchase hot snacks if you get hungry while exploring the area. You can buy quick bites like siomai, samalamig drinks, shawarma, and more. 

Alternatively, you can also bring snacks and drinks with you when you go. Just note that single-use plastics are not allowed within the park. 

Complete the picnic experience by staying chilling on the viewing deck where tables and chairs can be used, or go all out and rent one of the nipa huts on site, which can accommodate big groups. 

Nipa hut rental starts at P500 per day. 

Soon to open in La Mesa Ecopark

However, all these activities are only in the first phase of the park. The reopening on June 29 was only for the park's initial area, covering a relatively small area of the entire park's 33-hectare space. In the coming months, more facilities within the park are expected to open, including the popular hiking trails, as renovations in the other areas are completed. 

When Phases 2 and 3 open to the public, areas such as the wetland habitat, tropical flowering field, children's playground, canopy walk, boardwalk, biking trails, camping sites, and more picnic areas will be available. 

No final dates for the reopening of La Mesa Ecoparks Phase 2 and Phase 3 have been announced. Guess we'll just have to keep an eye out for any new developments on this front. 

La Mesa Ecopark is in Greater Lagro, Quezon City. For more information, visit La Mesa Ecopark's Facebook page.

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2024-07-01T12:12:34Z dg43tfdfdgfd