Yigo community cleans up forgotten Agafa Gumas Recreational Park

For years, the forgotten Agafa Gumas Recreational Park in Yigo has fallen through the cracks into disrepair with graffiti, algae, and overgrown grass taking over the basketball court, pavilion and concrete skatepark. 

But the community recently came together to clean up the facility with hopes Yigo kids can have a safe place to play this summer. 

“On Memorial Day weekend, we had one of our constituents reach out to us letting us know one of their family members and kids were actually down here trying to cut the grass and beautify it, so that way their kids can have a place to hang out and play during the summer,” said Yigo Vice Mayor Pedro Blas.

Hearing of the effort, the Yigo Mayor’s Office stepped in the following week. 

And on Friday, rain or shine, they continued that work with the Department of Youth Affairs summer interns in tow. 

“We’re pretty much done with phase 1, the grass is cut. We got some hoops back up on the basketball hoop nets. We’re also trying to waterblast the court so that if it ever rains, for the kids who want to play,” added Blas. 

The motivation for incoming Simon Sanchez High School sophomore Lance Gaga and incoming senior Joaquin Castro.

“To help out the environment, work hard everyday and get stuff done,” said Gaga. 

“In the Yigo Mayor’s office, we set a goal and it’s to make Yigo great again,” added Castro. “I feel great because if everyone is having fun, there will be less trash.”

Meantime, the skatepark and restrooms still need some help. 

With a tight budget, the Mayors Office is accepting any help they can get, whether it's paint, solar lights, or volunteers. 

“We’re so open to that if people want to come out and donate or give back, not just to the Yigo municipality, but for the kids. That's the main thing here,” said Blas. 

Blas reminded that "it takes a village" to keep a community thriving.

“One of the beautiful things about this park in Agafa Gumas, it took a community member to not just complain about what we need to be doing, but rather they came out and started the initiative. Then we came in full force and everyone benefits off of it,” Blas added. 

If you would like to provide assistance, just reach out to the Yigo Mayors Office.