Rotary plants trees in Kagman park

In celebrating this year’s Rotary International theme of “Rotary: Making a Difference,” the Rotary Club of Saipan started off the Rotary Year (which began July 1) by planting trees at the Kagman Family Park.

Ian Risley, president of Rotary International, asked all 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide to plant at least one tree for each member in order to promote the greening of the earth and environmental sustainability.

With support from Rep. Lorenzo Guerrero and the Division of Forestry, trees were donated to the Rotary Club of Saipan for planting at the Kagman park.

Guerrero’s staff, along with the Rotary youth service groups—the Interact Clubs of Kagman High School and Marianas High School—joined with Rotarians to plant 36 trees throughout the park.

Once open, the Kagman Family Park, located next to the Kagman Community Center, will offer a range of playground equipment including swings, hopscotch, climbing tires, and balance beams for the Kagman community to enjoy.

In addition, a full size basketball court was created to meet International Basketball Federation standards in the hopes that the court will also be used in future competitions.

“We plan to plant additional trees throughout the park in order to provide shade and decoration for all to enjoy,” said Greg Borja, president-elect of the Rotary Club of Saipan. “In keeping with the goals and focus of Rotary, we are reaching out to serve our communities here on Saipan. I would like to thank the Interact students, [Rep.] Guerrero, and the Division of Forestry. Without their support and assistance, this tree planting project would not have been an easy task.”

Guerrero said he is also collaborating with the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs for the connection of lights to the basketball court and repainting of the exterior of the Kagman Community Center prior to the opening of the park next month.

“I have also discussed with several community members to begin recruiting and organizing teams of school-age children and potentially begin a league right at the opening of the park,” Guerrero said. “I have also written letters to the Kagman business community to…[sponsor] sports teams, [adopt] bus shelters and roads, [spruce] up parkways, [pave] parkways and [plant] shade trees and flowers within their parkways.”

The Rotary Club of Saipan will be planting additional trees during the Kagman Family Park’s grand opening in August to coincide with the annual visit of Rotary District 2750 governor Sawatari Masamori. (PR)