Scout Hill playground at Camp John Hay temporarily closed

BAGUIO CITY — Visitors to Camp John Hay, particularly families who frequent the area for picnics and bonding activities, will have to find alternative spots as the popular Scout Hill playground is set to close temporarily.

In a public advisory, the John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) announced that the playground will be closed to the public starting 20 January 2026, until further notice. The closure is intended to allow rehabilitation works and the installation of new playground equipment.

JHMC said the improvements are part of its ongoing efforts to enhance safety standards and provide a more modern recreational experience for both residents and tourists.

“These improvements are being carried out to enhance safety and provide a better play experience for the community,” the advisory said.

In a recent media briefing, JHMC President and CEO Mangjit Singh Reandi assured the public that Camp John Hay remains safe for residents, tourists, and workers.

“Ang Camp John Hay ay 100 percent safe. We are saddened by the accident, but this is an isolated incident,” Reandi said.

He was referring to the 16 January 2026 incident in which an electric vehicle used to ferry visitors and workers within the camp hit four people, resulting in one fatality and three injuries.

Reandi said operations of the electric vehicles were immediately suspended following the incident. He added that he ordered a thorough inspection and reinspection of the vehicles, as well as a review of the qualifications and condition of the drivers operating them.