Richard Ybanez has resigned as the director of the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Governor Lou Leon Guerrero made the announcement in a brief news release today, saying she has accepted his resignation.
His resignation took effect at the close of business today. Ybanez cited health reasons for his decision to step down.
“I want to thank Rich for his service and I respect his decision to focus on his health. I wish him all the best,” said the governor in her statement.
No replacement has been named yet.
The resignation comes amidst the still ongoing controversy over the closure of the island’s two public swimming pools.
The Agana and Dededo pools have both experienced a series of unscheduled closures over the past year which has frustrated the community.
On Tuesday the Department of Parks and Recreation terminated the $660,000 maintenance contract with Canton Construction Corp. citing the company’s failure to properly service the two facilities.
Both pools have filtration issues that have turned the water in the pools green.
The administration is looking for a new maintenance contractor.
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