Overseeing the construction of the trail is the Department of Parks and Recreation, and according to its director, Joe Duenas, the completion was also hindered by other renovations on the government side that weren’t in the contract.
“[We were] concerned about the markers in the trail and wanted to make sure they would be visible,” he said. “[We’re] also upgrading the area and preparation of the sites.”
Duenas said department plans to assign five park attendants on the trail in addition two park patrol rangers for the site. “We’re basically put the system together now,” he said.
The trail is comprised of 17 historic sites in Hagåtña and is scheduled to be finished next month, just in time for Chamorro History Month.
Guam Visitors Bureau general manager Gerry Perez is pleased with the project, which he calls a significant “accomplishment for the village of Hagåtña and the Hagåtña Foundation.”
“It is yet another aspect of building upon the island’s unique identity and destination brand. We’d love to see more projects in all of our villages that capitalize on the island’s cultural heritage and history,” said Perez.
Some of the areas on the trail include the San Antonio Bridge, For Santa Agueda (Fort Apugan), Sen. Angel Santos Latte Stone Park, and the Padre Jose Palomo Beach Park.
Duenas said the installation of lighting, sidewalks and benches have been set up at the San Antonio Bridge. New trash receptacles and planters were also installed.
