What if getting from one part of a city to another could become an opportunity to walk, cycle, connect with nature, or simply slow down?
Greenfield Development Corporation (GDC) is bringing that idea to life with The Necklace, a new linear park system designed to connect key destinations across its 400-hectare Greenfield City township in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Envisioned as Greenfield City’s primary pedestrian and bicycle corridor, The Necklace will eventually stretch about 5.5 kilometers and span 20 meters wide, creating a continuous network of spaces for movement, recreation, gathering, and everyday wellness. Its first phase will break ground on October 14, 2026, and initially cover about 1.5 kilometers.
More than a way to move around the township, The Necklace reflects GDC’s broader vision of creating communities where connectivity and quality of life go hand in hand.
“It’s really about the the relationships that we create, the communities we really strengthen, the lives we improve over time,” said Atty. Duane A.X. Santos, President of GDC. “That’s really what the thinking behind this Necklace Park [is]. It’s about the simple things in life, about strolling under the trees, walking from your residence to the commercial center, cycling safely from one end to the other, watching kids play under the sun like it should be.”
Connecting destinations through spaces designed for people
The Necklace will create pedestrian and bicycle connections among some of Greenfield City’s key destinations, including Paseo Outlets, Laguna Central, Trava, Zadia, Pramana, and Solen.
Instead of relying only on roads to connect different parts of the township, the project introduces spaces designed around people and their everyday experiences. Residents, workers, and visitors can use The Necklace to walk or cycle between destinations, meet friends, participate in activities, or pause to enjoy the surrounding landscape.
The park system will feature pedestrian promenades, bicycle facilities, activity nodes, public gathering and event spaces, and landscaped green areas. Together, these elements are intended to make The Necklace not just a route to another destination, but a destination in itself.
Designing wellness into everyday life
At the heart of The Necklace is neuro-urban design, an approach to creating environments that consider how people experience and respond to the spaces around them.
Its design is anchored on five principles: (1) cognitive comfort, which aims to create spaces where people can feel at ease; (2) biophilic integration, which brings nature into the environment; (3) social connectivity, which encourages interaction; (4) emotional rhythm, which balances activity with spaces for pause and relaxation; and (5) adaptive resilience, which allows spaces to respond to changing community needs.
Nature will also serve a practical purpose. For example, the Necklace is designed to preserve and enhance natural detention ponds that support flood control, water purification, and sanitation, all while also enhancing the park’s landscape and overall experience.
Creating space for new experiences and opportunities
The project’s first section will be the Sports Zone, with approximately over 2 hectares of land lease. Beyond providing space for movement and recreation, this portion of The Necklace can open opportunities for future locators centered on sports, recreation, wellness, and lifestyle concepts.
Indeed, The Necklace is designed to grow alongside Greenfield City. As the corridor expands from its initial 1.5 kilometers toward the planned 5.5-kilometer network, it can bring together not only homes, commercial centers, and community destinations but also new businesses and experiences that contribute to the township’s evolving lifestyle.
“Santa Rosa City is breaking ground for another development where they create something that will redefine how people live, connect, and experience Greenfield City,” said Mayor Arlene Arcillas at the groundbreaking ceremony.
With The Necklace, Greenfield City is turning the spaces between destinations into an important part of the destination itself, creating more opportunities to move, gather, pause, and connect with both people and nature. For GDC, it’s another step toward building a township where wellness and connectivity are woven into everyday life.
Source: https://business.inquirer.net/616201/greenfield-city-unveils-the-necklace-a-5-5-km-wellness-corridor-in-sta-rosa