Manila Plans to Turn Intramuros Golf Course into a Public Forest Park

Manila might soon swap golf carts for trees and walking paths.

The city government is studying a proposal to turn the Club Intramuros Golf Course into a public forest park so that more people can enjoy it.

In a recent meeting at Malacañang Palace, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso discussed the plan with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. They also talked about other projects in the city such as housing, bridges, and transport systems, but this park proposal easily became the highlight.

Moreno said the golf course is underused and benefits only a few golfers. He believes the space can serve more people if turned into a wide, open green area in the heart of the city. Architect Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr., one of the country’s most respected urban planners, is helping refine the proposal to make sure it promotes both sustainability and community use.

If the plan is approved, the forest park would:

• Provide a green escape for relaxation and recreation in the middle of the city.

• Act as an eco buffer that absorbs rainwater and helps clean the air.

• Serve as a community space where people can gather, exercise, and enjoy nature.

Landscape architect Paul Alcazaren also supports the idea. He said the golf course “benefits only a handful of golfers, while a park would benefit the 12 million residents of Metro Manila.” He described the vision as a “Heritage Central Park,” a place that balances heritage and progress, people and nature, memory and the future.

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Image credit: Club Intramuros Golf Course

Filipinos have always loved being close to nature. Even in busy cities, people still look for trees, parks, and open spaces to breathe and relax. Studies show that many Filipinos choose to live near green areas because it improves their well-being and makes life in the city feel less stressful.

Experts say green spaces are not just pretty to look at. They bring real health and community benefits. Spending 20 to 30 minutes in a park can already lower stress and improve one’s mood. Green areas also encourage walking, running, and cycling, which keep people active and healthy.

Urban parks also help with bigger problems such as pollution and heat. Trees absorb bad air and release oxygen, while open green spaces cool down city temperatures caused by concrete buildings and traffic. They can even reduce noise levels from busy roads.

Also read: Bright Lights, Green Spaces & Hidden Gems: Here’s Why Pasig City Deserves More Attention!

More than anything, parks help people connect. They are spaces where families can bond, children can play, and communities can come together.

With over 12 million residents, Metro Manila remains one of the most crowded and concrete-heavy cities in Asia. Having more public parks is no longer just a luxury but a basic need for health and balance. Many Filipinos, especially those who live in high-rise buildings or cramped neighbourhoods, simply want a place to walk, sit, and breathe fresh air without needing to drive far.

Image credit: Samuel Borges | Canva Pro | New York Central Park

Imagine having our own Central Park just like what they have in New York? If the Intramuros forest park pushes through, it could become a symbol of a more inclusive Manila that puts people before profit. The plan to open an exclusive golf course to the public could mark a shift in how city spaces are shared and valued.

Intramuros is not just a historical site. It is a beloved local tourist spot where many young people hang out, take photos, and learn about history. Turning part of it into a forest park would make it even more alive and welcoming. It could be a place where nature, culture, and the community meet.

This project would not only improve Manila’s scenery but also strengthen its resilience against flooding and heat. It could inspire other cities to follow and rethink how land can be used for the good of all. It is a move that brings nature back into city life. For Filipinos who dream of greener and more liveable cities, this could be the beginning of real change.

Image credit: Club Intramuros Golf Course