Hagåtña, Guam – Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio joined the Malesso’ community today for a groundbreaking ceremony of the new Malesso’ Multi-Purpose Open Air Gymnasium. The project will construct a new steel gymnasium over the existing tennis court, converting it into a multi-purpose basketball, volleyball, and tennis court. The $1.2 million project is funded through a Capital Improvement Project Grant awarded by the U.S. Department of the Interior and is part of the Department of Parks and Recreation Islandwide Public Restroom, Gymnasium, and Sports Facilities Report Projects (Phase II) Design-Build Project.
“Investing in the health and safety and overall well-being of our communities remains a commitment for our administration. Village gyms and basketball courts are the heart of many communities, bringing families and kids from all walks of life together,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “We share in the excitement with the people of Malesso’ to finally see this much-anticipated project come into fruition.”
“Basketball courts and village gyms serve as a place where our youth learn what it means to be a part of their community. They allow kids more access to sports and activities outside of school that helps contribute to better health and quality of life for everyone in the village,” said Lt. Governor Tenorio. “Thank you to the Malesso’ community for your patience as we get this project completed.”
“This project is music to my ears, as this has been a long-awaited goal,” said Malesso’ Mayor Ernest Chargualaf. “When I first came into office in 2009, I wrote letters to all the senators asking that a gymnasium be built down here in Malesso’. I emphasized that as southerners, we are under-represented, underserved, and neglected. Finally, our gym is being built, and this administration was the catalyst to getting the project going. I hope that my people of Malesso’ are as elated as I am with the news of the gymnasium that is about to be built.”
Surface Solutions is the project’s contractor. Along with a new gym, the project will include a newly resurfaced court and lighting system to meet International Basketball Federation (FIBA) standards, restrooms, new aluminum bleachers, and a new fence. The project will take 180 calendar days from the start of construction to be completed.
To watch the groundbreaking ceremony in its entirety, visit Governor Lou Leon Guerrero’s Facebook page.
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