Inalahan celebrates village project completions just in time for the summer

It's a gem and natural treasure glimmering in the southern village of Inalahan, attracting many from near and far for years.

But the waters of Salaglula Pools or Inalahan pool, are valuable for more than its beauty, with rich history flowing through it

Inalahan resident Bill Paulino recalled his father, Juan Paulino’s role in constructing the pool in the 1960s.

“One of the things that my dad said was I pray to god that it’s not going to close one day—but people will continue to do things to better and the spirit of inafa maolek, inaguiya, inagoflie—it would be an outlet for the continuity of those core values," he said. 

He's prideful while witnessing today's reopening of the newly renovated site. 

A hope realized with the help of Inalahan mayor, Anthony Chargualaf—who championed the much-needed revamp for the village and the wider island community who can all enjoy its new features.

“Resurrecting the diving board, which is now usable—the stairway which will now lead you to the top of the observation deck—railing that has been placed all around the pool," he said. 

It’s major changes that make a huge impact.

“I remember when my wife and I first got married, we used to come down here and have a great time swimming," Paulino said. 

It's sparking up old memories.

“People would come together here and would just do a lot of racing, you know, swimming race, and that was a lot of fun," he said. 

“Growing up, we spent so much time coming here as a family—as a child, I used to remember sometimes having CCD, on my way home jumping into the pool and taking a little swim,” the mayor said. 

A swim here in paradise that's sure to bring new memories for generations to come. 

“Let’s all take care! Everybody has a responsibility to take care of things," Paulino said.  

Also today in Inalahan, the community again gathered at the sight of the new basketball court near the village senior center for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority used federal funds to construct a new site for recreation for the southern community. 

Executive director of GHURA, Elizabeth Napoli spoke at today's celebration. 

“It’s a good day for Inalahan, it’s a good day for GHURA—that we have one project again, that is helping communities with our mission: to strengthen families one project at a time.” 

It was through the work of the late Mayor Doris Lujan that the vision to build the new court became a reality.