By R. Vincent Tupaz
For Variety

GOING to island parks might soon become an enjoyable affair once maintenance responsibilities are transferred to the private sector.
Yesterday the Department of Parks and Recreation announced that it will begin the process of outsourcing the upkeep of parks in the north to private firms.
DPR Acting Director Joe Duenas announced yesterday that the program, in its pilot stage, will delegate the duties of maintaining 14 northern parks to private companies. “We will be outsourcing the entire northern region of the island as a pilot program. If this proves successful, we will consider outsourcing more parks in the future,” stated Duenas
Duenas explained the move is in line with Governor Felix P. Camacho’s initiative to decrease the operating costs of the government. “The outsourcing of parks maintenance is consistent with the Governor’s vision to reduce government costs while improving services. Ultimately our goal is cleaner, well maintained parks, at a lower cost to the community.”
According to Duenas, with the hiring of private companies to do the work, the department will no longer be burdened with overhead costs for necessary incidentals such as fuel and maintenance equipment. “With the outsourcing of parks maintenance will come a reduction in the need to procure gas, bush cutters, mowers and supplies,” stated Duenas. He added, “This in turn will translate in a reduction of government resources spent on procuring equipment and supplies. It will also reduce the level of inventory needed in these areas.”
As well, Duenas said once the outsourcing is effectuated, he will be able to better utilize DPR manpower to attend to issues such as restroom maintenance. He said the outsourcing of parks maintenance is a step in reducing costs to the Government while improving the state of our public parks and restrooms. A repeated complaint of island residents and visitors alike is the state of restroom facilities at the island’s various parks and recreation locales. “The increased support will allow the limited DPR maintenance staff to focus efforts in areas such as restroom maintenance,” stated the acting Director.