Creation of Punta Borinquen National Park and Recreational Community Center

Our goal is the creation of Punta Borinquen National Park and Recreational Community Center. We believe based on the evidence, there is a multimillion-dollar correlation between the health of the local economy and these recreational/ecological/historical areas we have adopted. Achieving this goal will be the epitome of win-win situation by:

• protecting nature & the recreational grounds
• helping the economy via the tourism
• providing the community a public venue
• providing security & reducing criminality
• providing sanitary & lavatory facilities
• following the mandates of the Deed from the Dept. of the Interior

This project is also important becuase Punta Borinquen is composed of 6 distinct ecological zones, 3 distinct archeological historical periods, is inhabited by protected and endangered species, and is home to some of the best outdoor recreational sports on the island.

Despite the mandates of the original “Quitclaim Deed” to preserve these recreational facilities and outdoor areas, this region has been abandoned by the local government and has not been properly maintained since the U.S. Air Force left in 1972. As a matter of fact, despite being the "motor to the local economy" these areas have been perceived as a least priority by many, hence receiving no formal resources from the government.

We are a 501(c) 3 / 1101.01 federally & locally licensed nonprofit corporation and have been incorporated as a nonprofit since August of 2014. WE ARE ACT 22 COMPLIANT. Our mission is to “Restore Ramey’s recreational areas and protect its nature”, and have been actively working towards this project since November of 2012. We have over 6 years of experience and have been responsible for: road repairs and beach access improvement, water quality testing program at Surfer's Beach, basic infrastructure maintenance and construction, trail maintenance, signage and mapping of the areas, beach cleanups and trash/debris removal and monthly general maintenance, mowing, and trimming of the areas.

We would like to start our next project, the rehabilitation of the abandoned naval facilities for the creation of Punta Borinquen Recreational Community Center. We are actively trying to raise the funds to do so. These buildings have been labeled a "public hazard" for decades because of the illicit criminal acts that have gone on there. Restoring these structures will serve a positive multifaceted purpose functioning as:

• community center
• museum
• gear rental station
• research facility for scientists
• tour guide station
• conference room
• restroom facilities
• refreshment stand
• gift shop
• headquarters for the nonprofit

Once it is up and running, and after the initial capital has been invested, our goal is for the center to be a self-sustaining “multiplier”, and even generating its own income. We would reinvest our gains in the maintenance of the recreational area and in employing members from the local community to run the facilities, creating jobs and furthering our restoration efforts. For more information please see our short film that goes into detail about our project; past, present, and future!

Ultimately, this venue will serve as a focal point that will highlight the preservation, conservation, and recreational attributes of the area while providing a space where both locals and visitors alike can engage. We thank you for your time and contribution in advance. The creation of an ecologically protected corridor with a multifaceted visitors center following the parameters of the original deed will be a benefit for all helping Puerto Rico where it needs it the most, from the people who making the change!

For more information you may contact us via our website: www.rescateplayasborinquen.org, [email protected], or visit one our social media platforms at facebook, instagram, or twitter.

Thanks for your time,

Mario Torres -President & Founder