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‘Paseo de Marianas neglected, needs upgrade, redesign’
Concepcion
The Marianas Visitors Authority sees the need to renovate and re-design the Paseo de Marianas, which is the heart of Garapan but has become dated and tired.
In response to Saipan Tribune’s inquiry about Paseo de Marianas pedestrian mall improvements project, MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion said Wednesday that every destination needs an upgrade every few years to effectively compete in the global tourism industry.
Concepcion said Paseo de Marianas was envisioned to be a lively pedestrian mall with shops, restaurants and other establishments catering to tourists and residents. Over the years, it has become neglected and is in dire need of revitalization and redesign.
“Our new design plans will allow for full viewing from Beach Road to Coral Tree Avenue and vice versa so that when one stands at either end of the Paseo de Marianas their view is not obstructed by trees or objects throughout the corridor,” he said.
MVA will build an outdoor stage for community events, more seating areas, and will highlight the Hoan Den pavilion with lighting, a green wall and a seating area “for everyone to enjoy.”
The Hoan Den monument is one of the few surviving structures in Garapan built during the Japanese administration of the Marianas. “So we want to ensure it gets proper attention,” Concepcion said.
He said there will be new landscaping designs, with new plants and flowers that will conform with the Flower Island project.
He said they issued an invitation to bid for the improvement and renovation of Paseo de Marianas and that the closing date is Dec. 14, 2018.
“All interested bidders are invited to participate. Once the contract is awarded, the contractor will have up to 270 days to complete the project,” Concepcion said.
