The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Kagman Community Center took place on Friday, April 26.
The Rotary Club of Saipan helped make the playground a reality. Their members posed for a photo alongside Miss Northern Marianas Earth 2023 Jan Cruz.
THE Department of Community and Cultural Affairs-Division of Youth Services, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Saipan and the Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council, officially opened a playground facility at the Kagman Community Center on Friday, April 26.
The playground features multiple swing sets and equipment, including one that looks like a construction vehicle and another that is shaped like a pirate ship.
Rotary Club of Saipan Sgt.-at-Arms Curtis Dancoe said over $200,000 was spent to upgrade the facility, and that aside from the installation of equipment, the other improvements included a basketball court perimeter fence, a sidewalk, and solar lights.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by community partners and children who attend DYS programs at Kagman Community Center.
DYS Administrator Vivian Sablan called on the youth and residents to take ownership of the new playground.
“To our children and parents who will be visiting and using these outdoor facilities and equipment, please know that these are all yours,” Sablan said. “You own it, you use it, you leave it, and go home, but you will come back again for a visit another day.”
She said it is important to practice safety and cleanliness to “make this a safe and fun place to go to in your free time.”
Reed Camacho, a youth basketball leader at the center, said the playground improvements are a welcome change.
“With all these new structures, bright colors, and cool designs it’s like every kid’s dreams come true,” he said.
Camacho said he has seen children enjoying the facility, which had a “soft opening” a few weeks ago.
He is likewise grateful for the improvements to the basketball court.
“Now we don’t have to chase after the ball when it goes out of bounds, which can be frustrating and unsafe at times,” he said.
Children say “cheese” aboard a newly installed playground equipment at the Kagman Community Center.
