Dandan park sports new kids’ playground

The Dandan Village could serve as a role model that other villages on Saipan can emulate, according to Tan Siu Lin Foundation president Jerry Tan.

“The Dandan Village, through the Action Team, doesn’t wait for other people to do everything for the village, especially not the government because it has limited resources. They take it upon themselves through their volunteer work. This is a model that all other villages should learn and copy in my opinion,” said Tan yesterday.

Tan was among the guests at the ribbon cutting ceremony that marked the official opening of the Dandan Children’s Park, which now features a $6,000 children’s playground donated by the TSL Foundation.

Tan disclosed that he said yes “without hesitation” when Dandan Action Team’s Frank Camacho asked him for help in procuring playground equipment for the park after seeing the group’s efforts in the project. The park was rehabilitated using funds from the Community Development Block Grant administered by the Northern Marianas Housing Corp.

“The difference between this park from the other parks is that Frank and his group [are] taking full ownership,” explained Tan. “It’s one thing to find money for a playground equipment but if nobody is taking ownership, only a few months and nobody will be able to come and enjoy the facility. The money put in the facility will just go to waste.”

Tan noted that it would be easy to duplicate the playground or the park in other areas but it won’t last unless the village will work together and take care of the facility.

“I’m hoping that people would come here and take a look at what Dandan Children’s Park looks like today and, more importantly, look at the people behind it and their continuing efforts to take care of it because this is going to last,” he said.

The Foundation’s support for the park, Tan said, is not a one-time deal as he assured the residents of their continued support through repair and maintenance as well as improvements for the facility.

Tan urged residents to use the facility responsible. “While you enjoy it, please take care of the property and the equipment so everybody gets to enjoy it on a daily basis.”

Camacho, for his part, said he is “honored and humbled” by Tan’s remarks.

“To be recognized for our work here is really something but it’s the whole group that has made it possible. We as a team will continue to work harder and encourage more participation in this cause,” he told Saipan Tribune.

Yesterday’s event was also attended by government leaders and other community members, including 19 fifth graders from Dandan Elementary School under bilingual teacher Cabrini Hambros, who served as the guests of honor at the ceremony.

Nixon Angey, 11, said he always goes to the park after school and during the weekends to play with his friends. “Now it really looks nice,” he said.

Ten-year-old Kaldora Inos said the park is where she can spend time with her family so she is willing to help take care of it. “If I see someone who is littering here, I will tell that person not to do it.”