Over the last few weeks, park staff at War in the Pacific National Historical Park has been receiving numerous complaints about pocket bikes at the Asan Beach Unit. One visitor stated, “Why are motorcycles (pocket) bikes being allowed in park? They are operated by children and pose a hazard as well as ruin the peacefulness of park.” Others voiced their concerns for their safety, ”minors using pocket bikes are racing up and down the road at Asan Beach.”
To clear up any misconception the public may have, the use of pocket bikes and other off-road vehicles is prohibited from the park. First, they are a safety issue. The pocket bikes are low to the ground and can easily be missed by oncoming vehicles. This can be even more dangerous if unlicensed minors are racing up and down the paved road at Asan Beach. There is a reason there is a posted five-mile per hour sign. It is posted for the safety of our visitors. Second, the use of off-road vehicles is not an appropriate use for which this park was established.
The War in the Pacific NHP was established by Congress to “commemorate the bravery and sacrifices of those who participated in the campaigns of the Pacific Theater of World War II and to conserve and protect the natural, cultural and historic values on the island of Guam”.
This memorial park was created to honor the sacrifices of the U.S. Armed Forces that participated in the Battle for Guam in 1944. Park visitors come to this site to learn about this battle, to pay their respects to those who sacrificed their lives during the war years on Guam, while others come to enjoy the peaceful and safe surroundings. Like the battlefields of Gettysburg, and other memorial parks these unique sites help us learn about our nations’ heritage and any use of these parks should be compatible for the reasons in which they were established.
War in the Pacific National Historical Park is one of nearly 400 National Park sites within the system. National Parks are considered “the crown jewels” of the world. As a part of the National Park System, park staff has been charged with preserving this “national treasure” for the benefit of present and future generations.
Today, the Asan Beach unit has become a popular place to picnic with family, for kite flyers, walkers and joggers. These types of passive recreational uses help us to preserve park resources and at the same time provide special places for positive visitor experiences. The park staff encourages all visitors to “experience” their National Park on Guam. For park information, log on to our website www.nps.gov/wapa.
