Executive Summary
 
This report evaluates the feasibility of implementing improvements at the Santos Memorial Park in Piti, Guam.  The proposed improvements would enhance the existing site by constructing a new parking lot area and pavilions, site lighting, repair of existing restroom facilities, connection of restroom facilities to the existing public sewer, repair of existing pavilions, landscaping, and creating a nature/exercise trail.  The 6.5-acre project site is located along the shore of Piti Bay and extends inland to the north side of Route 1 (Marine Corps Drive).  The Masso River flows through the west side of the park and empties into Piti Bay.  The United Seamen’s Service is located to the west of the park, while private lots abut the eastern boundary.
 
Santos Memorial Park experiences a persistent problem of shoreline erosion from coastal wave action.  In addition, during high intensity rain storms, sediment particles from upland erosion are carried by the Masso River into Piti Bay.  
 
This feasibility study identified two separate on-going government-sponsored projects that may reduce the amount of sediments being deposited into Piti Bay.  The Guam Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry is currently conducting a reforestation of the Cetti Watershed and surrounding areas.  The Guam Department of Agriculture Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources (DAWR) has proposed to dredge the Masso Reservoir, located upstream from the Santos Memorial Park, and install permanent sediment traps on the Masso River.  The reforestation effort represents a long-term solution to controlling erosion, while the proposed dredging and installation of sediment traps by DAWR will remove the fine particle sediments settled at the bottom of the Masso Reservoir and likely produce an immediate reduction in sedimentation.
 
The preferred park improvements include a central pavilion with two smaller flanking pavilions south of the existing basketball concrete slab to be incorporated as a multi-use pad to accommodate a variety of park and village uses.  Parking is located to the east, near the small creek and will include site lighting.  The green area to the west will be used as a playground and for overflow parking should it be needed.  A memorial plaque will be located between the parking area and the center pavilion.
 
The existing restroom facility will be upgraded in place without any increase in its footprint or addition of walls and connected to the existing sewer. Existing columns near the river will be provided with a new trellis “open-roof”.

 

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