Parklinks: Living amidst nature at Eton and Ayala Land’s greenest urban estate

Artist’s perspective of Parklinks bridge. The estate’s iconic bridge connects Quezon City and Pasig City and will have dedicated lanes for bikers and pedestrians, allowing for a safe and easy commute within Parklinks’ mall and residential and office spaces.

Sustainable mixed-use estates designed with greenery and where everything is within walking distance—or at least an easy 10-minute drive—have that irresistible appeal to those who call this bustling yet crowded metropolis home.

Many city dwellers have therefore become more discerning when it comes to choosing a community to live in. Many are putting more effort in living an active and healthy lifestyle, wanting the right balance to counter the stress that living in this concrete jungle is bringing to their lives. It is no longer enough that one lives in a snazzy high-rise. Green is in and sustainability is the magic word when it comes to picking a neighborhood to build a home and start a family.

A joint project of Eton Properties Philippines Inc. (EPPI) and Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), Parklinks is a sustainable mixed-use development rising in Pasig and Quezon City which promises green, sustainable living alongside life’s modern conveniences. It will capitalize on the natural features of the Marikina River to be incorporated into high quality urban green spaces.

The 35-hectare estate is thoughtfully master planned to be the greenest urban estate in the metro as 50 percent of Parklinks will be dedicated to open spaces, and easy access to parks and open spaces will be a priority.

Artist’s perspective of Parklinks’ mall. This is poised to offer a unique retail experience along the C-5 corridor with a curated mix of shopping, dining and recreational options.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has always highlighted the importance of green spaces and wetlands as “a fundamental component of any urban ecosystem.” Gardens, parks and sports fields motivate physical activity, promote recreation and encourage social interaction. People are inspired to walk when streets and avenues are lined with trees and plants, rather than take their cars and add to the already congested streets. According to the WHO, “physical inactivity, linked to poor walkability and lack of access to recreational areas, accounts for 3.3 percent of global deaths.”

Aside from benefiting one’s physical health, the WHO also pointed out the importance of green spaces to one’s mental well-being. “Some analysis suggests that physical activity in a natural environment can help remedy mild depression and reduce physiological stress indicators,” the WHO said.

Parklinks is designed with various zones where one can relax, engage, play, learn, appreciate and observe nature. One will find an experiential garden, waterfront entertainment, an outdoor amphitheater and an iconic bridge which will connect Quezon City and Pasig City.

There will also be an active and passive park with an interactive sculpture and a grand central lawn that will be lined with restaurants and cafes that will surely delight every foodie. Spaces for play and leisure such as a multipurpose lawn, a play lawn, an eco walk and a viewing deck that provides a peaceful and relaxing view of the Marikina River can also be found here.

Parklinks is targeted to have all parks and open spaces to be a mere five-minute walk for everyone.

Plant enthusiasts can troop to Parklinks’ nursery and public seeding market. An herb garden and cafe will serve farm to table gastronomic delights. More waterfront open spaces, a boardwalk, and play and exercise stations to inspire physical activity will also be included in the design.

The estate will be home to Ayala Land Premier’s first luxury residential development along the C5 corridor. Parklinks North Tower will be facing the Marikina River and will feature a pool deck and outdoor lounge, allowing residents relaxing and tranquil views of the water. Residential projects by Alveo Land and Avida Land will also rise in Parklinks.

The lifestyle mall with 52,000 sqm of leasable space will serve as the anchor of the residential and business hub. It is envisioned to provide a whole new family-oriented lifestyle experience with its wide array of retail, dining and entertainment options set amidst the surrounding greenery of Parklinks. It will be situated at the estate’s C5 frontage and is expected to be completed in 2023. Staying true to the estate’s commitment to support a more active and healthy lifestyle to its residents and visitors, Parklink’s mall will also feature a 3,500 sqm sports complex that will be comprised of a basketball court, volleyball court, badminton courts and a fitness gym.

Phase 1 of Parklinks will also have three office towers in the pipeline. The first office project will be stacked on top of the Parklinks Mall that will offer a seamless mall experience for office workers and visitors.

The estate’s roads, utilities and land development are now at 85 percent completion. Parklinks’ signature 110-meter long and 25-meter wide signature bridge is expected to be finished by early 2021, along with the Eco Terraces and the Visitors’ Center. The Esplanade and the ALP tower are seen to be completed in 2025.

Parklinks is accessible via major thoroughfares and is also set to benefit from a 4-lane elevated flyover which is part of the government’s Metro Manila Interchanges Construction Project Phase 4. (The map is not to scale)

Parklinks is accessible via major thoroughfares: C5, Amang Rodriguez Avenue and Ortigas Avenue. It is also set to benefit from a 4-lane elevated flyover that will bypass the busy intersections of Eastwood and Greenmeadows which is part of the government’s Metro Manila Interchanges Construction Project Phase IV.

Future residents of the metro’s greenest urban estate need not worry, too, about getting to major central business districts such as the Makati Business District, Bonifacio Global City, Ortigas Center and Triangle Park in Quezon City.

Imagine the promise of being spared from the ordeal that is Metro Manila traffic and being allowed the convenience of living near your office, commercial establishments and places of leisure. Think of spending every day in a well-designed development where you can walk among trees and have your morning runs through parks and open spaces. Clearly, city dwellers should watch out for Parklinks, poised to be the greenest and healthiest neighborhood this side of the metro.