The new Balabag Wetland Park was designed to incorporate the streets and sidewalks that surround it as part of the whole urban space to be activated. The recovery of this public realm led to the opportunity to carve out a large semi-circular plaza that extended over the water. It also fronts D’Mall, the island’s most popular commercial cluster and corridor to the beaches.

The plaza will serve as a point of interest while providing an open gathering space for the residents and tourists alike. The landscape architects also designed it as stage for events such as concerts, as it sits on a higher elevation than the rest of the area. It overlooks the lagoon with new water aerators that will keep the water moving and maintain its quality. The plaza is connected to the main commercial area of D’Mall through a speed table, meant to slow down vehicular traffic and improve pedestrian connectivity. The existing sidewalk on the Northeast side of the wetland was widened and connected to the rest of the walkways, making it a continuous loop. This loop wraps around the perimeter of the water, with trellised viewing decks on the Northeast side. The walkways are surrounded by planting areas between the road and the walkway serve as rain gardens that can help mitigate flooding and aid in rainwater collection.

Plant materials to be used in the area were carefully selected, to ensure that native species that are naturally occurring and thriving in the area are used. Wetland plant species found in other wetlands in the island are also used. Other native and low-maintenance were also considered during the plant selection process.

Interpretive signage will be installed in the planting areas along the walkways. These are meant to serve to educate the public in several topics including the science of wetlands, the local flora and fauna in Boracay, flood mitigation measures, sustainability and the geomorphology of the island.