Design work still ongoing for ‘Flower Island’ project

The Marianas Visitors Authority disclosed that its “Flower Island” project is still in the works, with the tourism body awaiting the submission of designs on three areas of the island that is being targeted for the project.

Tenorio

During MVA’s budget hearing last Thursday, managing director Perry Tenorio told members of the House Ways and Means Committee that the design for the flower island project is still going.

“Our flower island project is pushing through. We’re doing the designs and targeting three specific areas. However, it is taking a little longer,” Tenorio said.

He did not disclose which three locations are being targeted, but told the committee details will be disclosed later.

Saipan Tribune learned that Garapan’s Paseo de Marianas is one of the main areas for the project.

Rep. Ralph Yumul (Ind-Saipan), however, disagreed with the Flower Island project, recommending that MVA focus more on reviving the Japan market.

“Does MVA really need to continue with the Flower Island project? I don’t think it’s really necessary to continue with this project. My main concern is the Japan market. Why not put funding toward that instead and revive the market?” Yumul asked.

Tenorio told Yumul that MVA is already deep into the project and it has been in the works for a long time.

“It’s a high-ticket item and we believe that rebranding the island as a Flower Island will improve the market. We have discussed this for a really long time so we will still push for it,” Tenorio said.

The MVA board disclosed that some of the plans for the Paseo de Marianas are physical changes, along with installation of flowers and plants like bougainvillea beds or healthier palm trees, among others.

MVA eyes to create more space for events and exhibitions throughout PDM and create greater visibility down the pathway from both ends, he said.

Other proposals include the incorporation of a children’s play area near the police office on PDM’s west side, fixing the Japanese shrine, building a permanent stage, and planting flowers in the medians.

Junichi Inada, WIN Landscape Planning and Design managing director and a proposer of the Flower Island project, along with engineers and architects, are the ones working on the project with MVA.

The Flower Island branding concept is a long-term project to rejuvenate and refresh the brand images of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota into that of a beautiful beach resort destination full of green trees and colorful flowers.