Department of Parks and Recreation

The Department of Parks and Recreation, led by Director Andrew Pelesasa, is attending the 2026 National Outdoor Recreation Conference (NORC) from May 11 to May 15, 2026 in Duluth, Minnesota.

This is the first time American Samoa has attended the NORC as a new member of the Society of Outdoor Recreational Professionals (SORP) under the leadership of Director Pelesasa.

The team includes Parks Division Head Meaalofa Faavae, Administration Division Head (Grants & Projects) Mile Filoialii, Administration Supervisor Palagi Sunia, and Recreation Coordinator Taulauniu Isaiah Hunkin. This year's conference theme is "Outdoor Recreation: Pathways to Restoration and Revitalization." The Department of Parks & Recreation is in the final phase of implementing its 10-year outdoor recreation plan for American Samoa, a requirement of the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant that is funding improvements to our parks and recreation.

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“Calling all local artists! We’re inviting creatives to be part of a community mural project that will transform a public restroom into a vibrant, welcoming reflection of our island’s culture, identity, and pride. This partnership between the Department of Commerce, Arts Council, and Department of Parks & Recreation is a chance to showcase your talent while helping turn an everyday space into a meaningful landmark for residents and visitors alike. Sign up today and leave your mark on the community!”

Sign-up: https://forms.gle/tdsTRdZTQz4H6Sd39

Early Mother’s Day Luncheon by Director Andrew Pelesasa yesterday, May 06, 2026 for all the Mother’s at Parks & Recreation. Faafetai tele Fa’atonu. Faamanuia le Atua.

The Department of Parks and Recreation, led by Director Andrew Pelesasa, conducted an official visit to Manu’a from April 20 to 22, 2026. The purpose of the trip was to initiate the first phase of a comprehensive plan to develop parks and recreational areas in Manu’a.

The team met with Manu’a residents, assessed potential development sites, and gathered valuable insights.
Director Pelesasa extends his heartfelt thanks to the residents of Manu’a for graciously welcoming our Team. Our visit has been instrumental in our efforts to develop parks and recreational areas for our children in Manu’a. Together, we can create spaces that will benefit future generations. Special thanks go to:

Honorable Representative Tiaoali’i Fauagiga Sai

Tevesi Upega, Department of Public Works

Director Magdeline Lina Petaia, Department of Commerce

Director Edna Noga, Environmental Protection Agency

Tuili’u Apelu Liusamoa, Governor’s Office – Manu’a

Fitiuta Lodge

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Faafetai, Manu’atele.

-DPR Management

In celebration of the 126th Flag Day of American Samoa this week, we proudly extend our support and best wishes to our Director Pelesasa and his Paepaeulupo’o Crew in the Fautasi Race. May your teamwork, courage, and dedication carry you forward with pride.

Manuia fa’agatama i le tai le a*o a taeao i alalafaga uma ma a latou sa. Ia malutia ma fa’amanuia le Atua i Kapeteni uma ma latou ‘auva‘a, ia sao ma’uli le fa’amoemoe le a*o a taeao.

Happy 126th Flag Day, Amerika Samoa!! God bless our leaders and our people!!

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Alofaaga o le Matagaluega o Paka ma Malae Taalo mo le Tamā ia Faalafua Fili Lama Lama. Ua valaauina e le Atua a’o tautua i totonu o le Malo o Amerika Samoa i le Ofisa o Paka ma Malae Taalo. Tautua matavela, tautua malo mo le 21 tausaga. Alofaaga le mavae mo oe le Tamā pele. Alofagia e le Atua le Tinā ma le fanau ma aiga aua le to’esea ai o le Tamā.

O lona sauniga faamavae sa faataunuuina lea i le EFKAS i Faleniu. “Amuia ē faanoanoa; auā e faamafanafanaina i latou.” - Mataio 5:4

[GENERAL MEMORANDUM 055-26]

Delegation of Authority-Department of Parks and Recreation

CLOSURE NOTICE:

The Department of Parks & Recreation is closed today, March 25, 2026, as we attend the homegoing celebration for our dear colleague, Mr. Lama Lama. Operations will resume tomorrow, March 26, 2026. We appreciate your understanding.

Faafetai Tele.

OFFICE CLOSURE NOTICE

Please be informed that our Department will be closing at 12 noon today 3/23/2026, in observance of our department si'i for our beloved colleague and brother, Lama Lama.

We appreciate your understanding as we take this time to honor his life and service.

Our team will resume normal operations at 2:30pm - 4:00pm.
We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your continued support.