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1. What is the Hagåtña Heritage Walking Trail? The Hagåtña Heritage Walking Trail is a trail through the capital village of Hagåtña. The project links 17 historic sites, parks and places of interest. The project will highlight new pathways, lighting, landscaping, signage, and site furnishings.
2. Whose idea was the trail? The Hagåtña Heritage began as a collaborative effort in 2004 between the Hagåtña Foundation and the Camacho Administration. There have been many entities involved in the project to include Duenas, Camacho and Associates; the Guam Legislature; the Department of Interior, the Department of Public Works, and the Department of Parks and Recreation who spearheaded the execution of the project.
3. What 17 sites are included in the Guam Heritage Walking Trail? 1. Fort Santa Agueda 2. Government House 3. Senator Angel Santos Memorial Latte Stone Park 4. Hagåtña Japanese Fortification 5. Plaza de España 6. Cathedral-Basilica 7. Insular Guard Monument 8. Pope John Paul II Monument 9. Guam Legislature Building 10. Skinner Plaza 11.San Antonio Bridge 12.Chamorro Village 13.Paseo de Susana 14.Chief Kepuha Park 15.Padre Palomo Park 16.US Cemetery Fortification 17.Cormoran Monument
4. Why these sights? These sites commemorate Guam history and who we are as a people today. Nine of the sites are listed on the Guam Register of Historic Places and six on the US National Register of Historic Places.
5. How long is the trail? The trail runs nearly two miles from Fort Santa Agueda down Government House hill, across the Plaza de España and Skinner Plaza, over to the Spanish Bridge (Sirena Park), around the perimeter coast line of the Paseo, across Chief Kepuha Park, and ending at Padre Palomo Park.
6. How is the trail marked? The trail is marked by red brick pavers and concrete stain, keeping visitors on the trail. There is signage narrating points of interest, and areas designed for photo opportunities.
7. How much did this project cost and where did the funds come from? The project cost $1.4 million. The Department of the Interior provided a grant for the project at the request of Governor Felix P. Camacho.
8. How long was this project in the works? The grant was awarded in 2005 and the design was completed by Duenas Camacho and Associates in 2008.
9. When did construction begin and when did the trail open? Construction began on May 5, 2009, and the trail opened on April 29, 2010.
10. What is special about this project and how does it enhance tourism on Guam? It revitalizes the capital district of Hagåtña, and embraces Chamorro heritage at a time when unprecedented change is on the horizon. It is an outdoor museum of Guam history for residents and visitors. There has been much talk for the past several years about the need to enhance Guam as a destination by providing more cultural and historic attractions. The Hagåtña Heritage Walking Trail is a step in this direction.
For more information about the Heritage Walking Trail contact Parks and Recreation at (671) 475-6296/7.
