In Southern Guam, the sound of children’s laughter now fills Nimitz Beach. Hågat celebrated the opening of its brand-new playground — a project that Mayor Kevin Susuico calls more than just swings and slides, but a promise of safe, joyful spaces where families can gather and grow. As KUAM News found out, the ribbon-cutting turned into a celebration of community, pride, and togetherness.

Bright and early at Nimitz Beach Park, excitement filled the air as Hagat's newest playground officially opened. It’s the second for the village, alongside the smaller one behind Marcial A. Sablan Elementary School.

The mayor said, “We did our ribbon-=cutting about two weeks ago on a Sunday. We invited some kids and enjoyed some pizza with us. It's been a great positive impact. We see the parents get in some family time, and we're excited. I hope you come down and see it.”

The project was made possible through funding from the governor, lieutenant governor, and GEDA — part of a grant program that touched every municipality.  “A few years ago, the funding where this came from was the Office of the Governor and Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Guam, and of course GEDA. As this was part of their program… we decided on a playground park for the kids.”

Despite shipping hurdles and coordination with contractors, Mayor Susuico says the pieces fell into place — bringing with them a special kind of joy. “It makes me feel so great inside. We have so many programs here to get the parents active and kids involved. And to see the kids playing — it brings so much happiness to me," he said.

But it’s not just the children who are enjoying the space. Tourists have stopped to visit, and locals are taking pride in keeping it clean and safe.  “We're maintaining the park to the best that we can, and we remind the community, whatever you take to the beach, you take back with you," he shared.

That commitment is shared by the 6am Striders — a group of seniors who walk the park every morning, trash bags in hand. When KUAM News visited, our camera crew was welcomed by the group —  retired public school teacher Davina Cruz.

They say giving back is their way of honoring their village, as she said, “These parks are beautiful, so we man'amko thought of pitching in and cleaning every debris that we find in the morning to walk.”

“We're very happy because when you see the youth playing and enjoying in a safe place, the beauty of nature here, and cleanliness — we are showing, we are being a model of how to keep our home clean. And we are happy about that.”

For Hagat, this playground is more than a structure. It’s a symbol — of community, responsibility, and the joy that comes when generations come together to build a better future.