“IT is truly disheartening that anyone would destroy or vandalize public property that was repaired or maintained to give our children a place to play and have fun,” Rep. Joel Camacho said when told about the vandalized basketball court in As Matuis.
Camacho has initiated a series of renovation and restoration projects of public facilities, including basketball courts.
Community volunteer Max Aguon points to a destroyed concrete bench at the As Matuis basketball court Monday.
“It is really sad to see that this court, which has been well maintained for the past several years, has been vandalized, and it is also the first time vandalism has taken place in any of our parks or recreation areas since I took office,” Camacho added.
“When I began my service in office back in the 21st Legislature, I made it a point to restore and renovate if needed, recreational facilities in Precinct 4,” he said.
“This court in As Matuis was where we rebuilt a bleacher shelter and a damaged fence. We also replaced one backboard and rim and helped cut the grass when needed,” the lawmaker said.
“I am pleading [with] all those who utilize public facilities that the efforts to rebuild and maintain them are for the children. Please think about our children who simply wish to have a facility where they can play and enjoy sports,” he added.
Camacho said he does not understand “why anyone would want to destroy public property, but I do know that there are many youths out there who appreciate having a well-maintained recreational facility.”
Community volunteer Max Aguon found a destroyed bench at the As Matuis basketball court on Monday as part of his routine duty as a Division of Parks and Recreation employee.
Aguon said he and Max Ogo, a co-worker, regularly visit village basketball courts on Saipan on Mondays and Fridays to clean them up.
“When we came here Friday (Oct. 22), the concrete bench was still intact, but when we came back Monday, it was destroyed,” Aguon said.
“We also found empty beer cans in the area. I don’t know why someone would break the bench — it has a public purpose and the basketball court is open to the public, he added.
Aguon asks the community to refrain from destroying public structures and to comply with the anti-littering law.
