Rotary plants trees for sustainable environment 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.

In celebrating this year’s Rotary International Theme of Rotary: Making a Difference, the Rotary Club of Saipan (USA, Western Pacific Island — District 2750) started off the Rotary year, which began on July 1, by planting trees at the Kagman Family Park.

Ian Riseley, 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 to work towards environmental sustainability.

Through support from Rep Lorenzo Guerrero and the Division of Forestry, trees were donated to the Rotary Club for the purpose of planting at the Kagman Family Park.

Rep Lorenzo Guerrero’s staff along with the Rotary Youth Service groups, the Interact Clubs of Kagman High School and Marianas High School, joined together with Rotarians to plant 36 trees throughout the family park.

Once open, the Kagman Family Park located next to the Kagman Community Centre, 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,” says 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, Representative Guerrero, and the Division of Forestry.”

“Without their support and assistance this tree planting project would not have been an easy task.”

Representative Guerrero on his involvement says, “I am also collaborating with DCCA (Department of Community and Cultural Affairs) for the streetlights connection to the basketball court and as well as repainting of the exterior of the Kagman Community Center prior to the opening of the park next month.”

When asked for comment on the impact the Kagman Park may have on the community, he added, “I have also discussed with several community members to begin recruiting and organising teams of school age children and potentially begin a league right at the opening of the park.”

“I have also written letters to the Kagman business community to support the community by sponsoring sports teams, adopting bus shelters, roads and sprucing up parkways, concreting or paving of parkways and planting shade trees and flowers within their parkways.”

The Rotary club 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.

Source: Marianas Variety