ORANJESTAD, Aruba — The Pos Chiquito Recreation Project is giving new purpose to an abandoned property that had become filled with rubbish and unused vehicles.
The site was cleaned during the National Day to Care for Aruba on Saturday, July 25, 2026, with the longer-term goal of developing a recreational area for children, young people and families living in the neighbourhood.
Volunteers removed accumulated waste and began clearing the neglected land while attempting to preserve trees that could become part of the future community space.
Four Abandoned Vehicles Removed From Site
Before the cleanup, the property contained large quantities of discarded material and four old vehicles.
The condition of the land had prevented residents from using an area that could potentially support sport, recreation and neighbourhood activities.
Volunteers and participating organisations cleared waste from the property as part of the wider island-wide campaign.
During the first two hours of the national cleanup, organisers reported that almost 43 tonnes of waste had already been collected across Aruba.
Prime Minister Mike Eman later said that the quantity delivered to EcoTech was approaching 50 tonnes, creating long lines at the processing facility and several neighbourhood collection points.
Youth Asked for Recreational Facilities
The Pos Chiquito initiative reportedly began after neighbourhood police officers spoke with residents and young people about their community’s needs.
Aruba Police Force spokesperson Liliana Rasmijn said the project was connected to Fieldlab Aruba, a programme intended to support efforts addressing youth crime and community safety.
During neighbourhood discussions, young residents said they lacked sufficient activities and suitable places to practise sports.
They proposed transforming the abandoned land into an area containing a basketball court, a small football field and a gathering place for local families.
Police Bring Community Request Forward
Neighbourhood police representatives, including Icho Matos and Liliana Rasmijn, visited the location and discussed the proposal with residents.
The community’s request was subsequently presented to the relevant authorities and organisations.
Information shared during the cleanup indicated that the property had originally been designated for recreational use within the subdivision plan but had never been developed for that purpose.
That planning detail was reported during the activity and would require confirmation through the official subdivision documents.
The Pos Chiquito Recreation Project could now give the land the community purpose residents say it was always intended to serve.
Residents Welcome Proposed Sports Area
Pos Chiquito resident Lissette Ignacio thanked the government, neighbourhood police and everyone who helped clean the property.
She said basketball and football facilities would give young people a positive activity after school or work.
Ignacio believes access to organised recreation could help young residents remain active, develop discipline and avoid involvement in crime or other harmful activities.
Another resident, Roderick Peña, said he had worked for approximately three years to help make the project a reality.
Peña emphasised that the development was not intended for personal benefit. He said it should serve children currently growing up in Pos Chiquito and future generations of neighbourhood residents.
Project Supports Community Safety
Accessible recreational areas can provide young people with structured opportunities for exercise, social interaction and community participation.
The proposed facilities could also create a central location where parents, children and other residents can gather.
Project supporters hope that regular community use will prevent the property from once again becoming an illegal dumping location.
The plan aims to create a healthy and secure environment serving young people while remaining welcoming to parents and other neighbourhood residents.
Mike Eman Praises Cooperation
Prime Minister Mike Eman described the Pos Chiquito effort as an example of how the government, Aruba Police Force and community can cooperate on neighbourhood development.
He said neighbourhood police officers have an important role because they listen directly to residents, identify local needs and help mobilise the necessary organisations and resources.
The project demonstrates how a cleanup campaign can become the starting point for a longer-term community improvement rather than ending after collected waste is removed.
The National Day to Care for Aruba was launched as an island-wide campaign encouraging residents, schools, businesses, clubs and organisations to accept shared responsibility for neighbourhoods and public spaces.
Residents Will Help Maintain the Area
Community involvement will remain important after the recreational space is developed.
Residents will be expected to help keep the area clean, report damage and encourage respectful use of the sports and family facilities.
Without regular maintenance and neighbourhood supervision, the site could once again become neglected or affected by illegal dumping.
Organisers therefore want residents to develop a sense of ownership and treat the area as a shared community asset.
This approach reflects the wider purpose of the national campaign, which was intended not only to remove waste but also to encourage long-term responsibility for Aruba’s environment.
Cleanup Creates Opportunity for Development
The July 25 campaign removed waste from numerous neighbourhoods and public spaces across Aruba.
The government originally established a national target of collecting 100 tonnes of waste through more than 20 collection points and community-led projects.
In Pos Chiquito, the impact could extend beyond the amount of rubbish removed.
A property previously characterised by abandoned vehicles and accumulated waste now has the potential to become a centre for sport, family activities and positive youth development.
The next stages will require planning, funding, construction and continued cooperation between authorities and residents.
The Pos Chiquito Recreation Project represents an opportunity to transform a neglected location into a safer and more useful public space that promotes exercise, discipline, community unity and a more positive future for the neighbourhood.
