“The place can accommodate many people and the parking area is spacious.”
“It’s free and comfortable.”
These are among the observations of community members who prefer to hold important gatherings at the pavilions on Beach Road.
From San Antonio to Garapan, over 10 pavilions have been constructed along the island’s most scenic thoroughfare.
These pavilions, which vary in sizes, have become a very important part of community life.
Countless birthday celebrations, baby showers, picnics, Christmas parties and even family gatherings have been held at the pavilions.
Parks and Recreation Director Tony T. Benavente said most of the pavilions, except for the Minatchom Atdao and Kilili pavilions, are available on a “first come, first serve” basis.
He said those who want to use the Minatchom Atdao and Kilili pavilions will have to make reservations with his office. (For more information, call 234-7405/1791 or fax 234-6480.)
The parks and recreation division of the Department of Public Lands and Natural Resources is in charge of maintaining the pavilions.
When the economy was still booming in the 1990s, families, groups and organizations scrambled to get reservations for the use of the pavilions.
But despite the economic downturn, gatherings at the pavilions remain an island tradition especially during the weekends.
Recently, the “August celebrants” of the Marianas Variety held their party at a Garapan pavilion.
The celebrants were circulation staffer George G. Malonzo, accountants Ma. Teresa Managuio and Elena S. Federico, editorial assistant Cindy Aldan and the production department’s Sally Ramos and Norma T. Celis.
“It’s good to see the scenery and it’s easier for people to locate where the party is,” Aldan said.
“Party goers can go swimming and cook and barbeque. No neighbor is disturbed and the gathering can go on even at night time,” Federico said.
“There’s no other place where people can easily go,” Managuio said.
For Malonzo, the view is “nice and beautiful.”
Rabby Syed, United Workers Movement NMI president, frequently uses the pavilions for special events like birthdays, meetings and forums.
“We urge those who use the pavilions to help maintain and clean them, too,” he said.
Benavente said there have been many occasions when pavilion users leave their trash scattered in the area.
Every Friday, he said, they conduct a cleanup drive along Beach Road, particularly at the pavilions, to prepare them for community-use during the weekend.
Every Monday, he added, their maintenance group cleans up the pavilions.
Benavente said the pavilions are for the community but they cannot be used for “garage/yard sales.”
