Residents press for construction of Olympic-size pool

A group of CNMI officials, private sector representatives and volunteers on Friday urged anew the construction of Olympic-size swimming pool in American Memorial Park for use by local swimmers and foreign visitors who want to practice here.

At least 1,000 people have signed up a petition asking the Legislature to appropriate about $2 million for the project they said is needed since Saipan’s lone swimming facility located in Marpi has to be replaced immediately.

Owned and operated by Kan Pacific Ltd., the 50-meter pool just across the Mariana Resort was constructed in 1972, but was not put into use until 1986. The facility is being used by the Saipan Swim Club for practices, as well as other organizations and government agencies like the Public School System.

But the petitioners said its location in Marpi away from residential neighborhood is discouraging a lot of people in the community to participate in swimming training, thus a liability to the development of the sports in the Commonwealth.

By constructing a new Olympic-size pool that meets international standards, they believed that it will encourage active participation by the community in swimming lessons as well as attract teams from the U.S., Japan and other countries to train on the island.

“This new facility to be located in Garapan, within the American Memorial Park, or another centrally-located area would encourage public use… and be an integral part of community physical education swimming classes,” the petition read.

“Far from becoming a public burden a new, state-of-the-art facility will contribute to the tourist economy and overall quality of life within the Commonwealth,” it added.

The plan calls for the construction of a 50 meter by 25 meter pool with 10 lanes, a modern filtering system, an office, conference room, storage rooms and changing rooms for the public.

The facility will also have bleachers for spectators and will be covered by a roof open on the sides for ventilation and preservation of water quality, according to the petition that began last Nov. 25.

Chuck Sayon, park ranger of the federally-administered American Memorial Park, backed the proposal to have it built on its 20-hectare lot in Garapan. “It’s good to dream,” he told reporters during the petitioner’s campaign held last Friday at the Office of the Governor.

“The community and local economy will benefit from constructing an Olympic swimming pool on Saipan. The construction only needs local legislative support to be funded and become a reality,” said the petitioners.