Repairs are underway at Ipan Beach Park in Talo’fo’fo’, with nearly $70,000 in federal funds going toward fixing what Typhoon Mawar tore apart. But one of the park’s most heavily used features—the restrooms—didn’t make FEMA’s list.

The southern park is finally getting long-awaited repairs. The $69,798 FEMA-funded project includes restoring pavilions, bollards, and even installing new barbeque pits. "It's a park out there, seen by the public every day- anyone that traverses Route 4, it's right there,16. The project that is being done now is under FEMA - the thing is it's only for damages that came from the typhoon- to bring it back to pre-Mawar condition," according to Department of Parks & Recreation director Angel Sablan.

He said FEMA only covers what was documented as storm damage. That means the park restrooms—already in poor condition—aren’t part of the current scope of work.

"Even myself, I question, we have some chips here, some broken tables, but fema claims that wasnt because of the typhoon. They said it was possibly because of lack of maintenance, or they were there before the typhoon, so those wont be even funded by FEMA," he said.

So what is being funded? The BBQ pits, a pair of pavilions which were totally gone, and signage. DPR contracted Qiang Sheng Construction, Inc., which estimates the work will take two to three months.

Said Sablan, "As far as the restroom, adding some more enhancements, although we wish we can do it, it is not possible under FEMA guidelines with funding."

DPR officials say they recognize the need and will continue looking for ways to improve bathroom facilities. For now, the restrooms stay open from 8am to 6pm, thanks to Mayor Vicente Taitague, who volunteers to open, clean, and close them daily.

"The reason why they are closed, because of safety reasons. We dont want people to coming in there when there is construction or materials and debris and we dont want people hanging out there," said Sablan.

The project is one of several FEMA-backed efforts to bring Guam’s parks back to pre-mawar condition. Sablan excited as it all comes to fruition, saying, "We have quite a few in the ringer."

For Ipan beachgoers, that means a refreshed space—minus the much-needed restroom upgrades. Sablan hoping the project will be complete in 30 days.