Parks & Rec oversight focuses on performance-based budgeting

Guam’s parks are entering a new era of accountability. During an oversight hearing Tuesday, Department of Parks & Recreation director Angel Sablan told lawmakers the agency is shifting from simply maintaining facilities to proving results — using data, performance metrics, and public safety measures to show taxpayers exactly how their dollars are being spent.

During the oversight hearing, Sablan told lawmakers the agency is shifting how it measures success — moving away from simply maintaining facilities to delivering results that can be measured. Speaking before committee chair Vice Speaker Tony Ada and other lawmakers, Sablan said DPR is working toward a performance-based budgeting model — one focused on data, public safety, and accountability — to ensure every taxpayer dollar is maximized.

The agency is one of three selected as the initial focus of the republican-led legislature’s performance-based budgeting plan for Fiscal Year 2027. The strategy is built on key pillars — including performance metrics and data-driven management.

Sablan said DPR's Maintenance Division is also working with mayors’ offices to streamline projects too large for their crews to handle alone.

He says the goal is to move away from a “check-the-box” approach and toward an operation that delivers clear, measurable results — even as the agency contends with a tight budget.

"Facility utilization rates — we’re tracking the foot traffic and permit volume for our 70+ parks and sports facilities," he shared.

DPR is also monitoring how quickly repairs are completed — including setting standard timelines for fixing public restrooms and lighting systems. “For public outreach we are measuring the demographic impact of our recreational programs to make sure we are serving youth and manåmko’ across all villages," he said.

Another key priority — protecting Guam’s cultural and natural heritage. “Cultural and natural stewardship — investing in the protection of our historic sites and latte sites from environmental degradation and encroachment," he said.

Sablan says a significant portion of the budget is also being directed toward Park Patrol — expanding the presence of territorial park rangers to help deter vandalism and keep parks safe for families.

And as DPR looks ahead to Fiscal Year 2027, Sablan said the agency’s top priority is transparency — ensuring the public can see how parks, programs, and taxpayer dollars are being put to work across the island.