Considered
one of the best venues for jogging, bike ridding and picnics in town,
Parque Omar, Panama City’s second-largest metropolitan park
seems to have finally accepted its name. What was originally Panama’s
first golf course (circa 1940’s) became Parque Recreativo Omar
in the early 1980’s. However, locals continued referring to
it as the antiguo (old) Club de Golf for a number of years.
The park’s
official name honored that of General Omar Torrijos, who ruled Panama
between 1968-1981. But when his political oponents came to power in
the early 1990s, the park was re-named Héctor Gallegos, honoring
a late priest. The name changed back to Parque Omar Torrijos’
supporters won the following presidential elections in 1994. Although
the two political parties have alternated in power in the last 10
years, the park’s official name has remained unchanged ever
since.
Located
in the neighborhood of San Francisco, Parque Omar, is popular among
people of all ages, professions and social classes, including local
public figures. It features a 3.5 km jogging circuit, sports facilities
(soccer, tenis and baseball), a swimming pool, picnic areas and play
areas for children. The park is also home to the country’s largest
library —Biblioteca Ernesto J. Castillero National.
A police
station assures complete security. The park opens from 4:00 a.m. to
7:00 p.m.
