Summer afternoons swinging with all my might. Racing up and down green hills with my siblings. Endless hours of fun flying my kite. These are the memories I have from when I was four years old, when my mother would take me almost daily to Parque Omar. Visiting this park twenty-seven years later, I felt the same excitement I had as a child. This time, however, I noticed new things. But while Parque Omar may look different, its essence remains unchanged.
The history of Parque Omar in Panama City dates back to 1922, when it began as a golf course. It officially inaugurated in 1932. It wasn’t until the 1970s that an agreement was reached for the state to purchase the land. In the 1980s, it officially became a public park.
This valuable jewel of the capital spans 137 acres offering a 2.1 mile walking track, various sports courts, outdoor exercise areas, a swimming area, an amphitheater, a pet park area, photo spots, road safety education for the little ones, and play spaces for children.
During December, Omar Park transforms into a magical world. This year, it will feature the Chinese community and their lantern festival.
Located in the San Francisco district, the park is central, clean, welcoming, and just a few minutes’ walk from the Fernández de Córdoba metro station. Omar Park is a favorite for both locals and visitors, open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Entry fee? Free. You only need to bring two things:
- A willingness to have the best time.
- A commitment to preserving its beauty.