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Tinian breaks ground for gym renovation
Members of the Tinian leadership, along with Fr. Rey Rosal, Tinian resident department heads, and representatives of the Northern Marianas Housing Corp. and D&A Construction, break ground at the Tinian Gymnasium. (Contributed Photo)
The Tinian Mayor’s Office held a groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of the Tinian Gymnasium last Friday, Dec. 1, at the gymnasium itself.
The event marks the beginning of one of the most extensive repairs to the gym since its construction in the early 1990s.
In his welcoming remarks, Tinian Mayor Joey Patrick San Nicolas said the gymnasium is “more than just a gym. It is a gathering place for our people, and has been so for more than two decades.”
He pointed out that since 1993, the gymnasium has hosted countless sports leagues for youths and adults; sheltered residents affected by natural disasters; served as a venue for community events; and contributed to the overall health of the island.
“I sincerely hope that this renovation inspires our future leaders to continue improving our gymnasium, as well as the many public facilities our residents hold dear,” San Nicolas added.
Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider (R-Saipan) echoed San Nicolas’ sentiments in his closing remarks and reaffirmed the Tinian leadership’s commitment to nurturing the community’s health and vitality.
Both San Nicolas and Hofschneider acknowledged the Northern Marianas Housing Corp. and its board members for making the project possible.
“We are excited to see the gym’s renovation come to fruition and for that we are grateful for [NMHC’s] commitment in helping sustain the various functions that our gymnasium serves in our community,” said Hofschneider.
The renovation project began as a grant proposal submitted to NMHC in early 2016. The Tinian Mayor’s Office received $312,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development via the Community Development Block Grant Program, Program Year 2017, to complete this project.
The renovation will be performed by D&A Construction within 180 days. The scope of work includes repairs to the gym’s south bathrooms, roof, and stage ceiling; repainting the facility’s interior and exterior; and replacing the gym’s four main doors, parking lot lights, and fire alarm system fixtures.
The project is expected to be completed by May 30, 2018. (PR)
