Trash Barrel Refresh at Lions Park: Clubs Unite Again for a Cleaner Coast

Eight freshly painted trash barrels now stand throughout Lion's Park in Pago Pago, their vibrant graphics catching the eye of visitors strolling along the coast. The new barrels are painted with catchy slogans like "Can You Spot Me Some Trash" and "Don't Trash Where You Splash." Even more impressive, it was an opportunity to see the remarkable results when community organizations come together for a shared purpose.

Members of Rotary Club of Pago Pago, Rotaract Club of Pago Pago, Leo Club of South Pacific Academy, and Lions Club of Pago Pago begin work on the trash barrel project.

A Project Born from Partnership

Two years ago, the Rotary Club of Pago Pago, Lions Club of Pago Pago, and Starkist Samoa partnered to install custom-painted trash barrels at Lion's Park and the Pala Lagoon Swimming Center. The mission was straightforward: keep American Samoa's coastal spaces clean and inviting for everyone. The barrels served their purpose well, but constant exposure to salt air took its toll. Rust accumulated, and by late 2024, it was time for a refresh.

The old trash barrels were battered and rusted.

This October, the same clubs reunited; this time joined by the Rotaract Club of Pago Pago and Leo Club of South Pacific Academy. The group began work to replace all eight barrels. The work started by gathering fresh barrels which were donated by Starkist Samoa.

A Morning of Teamwork and Rain

On Saturday, October 4, volunteers gathered early next to the Pala Lagoon Swimming Center. The center's management generously allowed the group to store barrels behind the pool and use the space as a worksite for sanding and painting.

The day brought special visitors: Lions Club District 202K's District Governor Lynda Halverson and District Secretary Christine Ford, who were visiting from New Zealand. When a brief rain shower threatened to halt progress, volunteers simply moved under cover and continued their work, gathering inside the pool house for coffee and fellowship between painting sessions. The spirit of collaboration was even stronger than the coffee!

Lions and Leo sanding and talking.

The completed barrels ready for duty.

Out with the old. In with the new!

A place so beautiful, everyone wants to keep it clean!

Two coats of paint make the barrels last a long time.

Collecting trash is serious business. (Fun, too!)

GeoGas delivers the barrels.

Pala Lagoon Swimming Center hosted the work party.

The new barrel near the boat ramp will see lots of use!is

Painted barrels ready for graphics.

Bright colors catch the eye and remind everyone to keep the trash off the ground.

A stunning landscape for service work.

What a fun collaboration looks like!

Rotary Club President Raymond Dāvid coordinated skilled labor from Westland Construction to safely remove the barrel tops using angle grinders. Lions Club President Danielle Pualau announced that the Lions would cover the full cost of paint and materials. Rotaract's Dimary Ulberg took the opportunity to give attendees a preview of the future Rotaract playground site next to the pool.

Graphics, Collaboration, and the Finishing Touches

After the painting dried, the project moved into its creative phase. Rotarian Kelley Anderson-Tagarino enlisted support from the "Creating a Living Shoreline Along Lions Park to Enhance the Critical Estuarine Habitat" project, funded by the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation. Together, they developed new graphics featuring club logos, Starkist's logo, and the memorable slogans that made the original barrels so recognizable.

Design notes for the new trash bins.

Project lead Rotarian Faafua Cummings reflected on what made this effort special:

"This project is one of those stories that reminds me why community matters. It started with a simple idea: to place trash barrels in Lions Park so that we could keep it cleaner and more enjoyable for everyone. We reached out to Starkist for barrels, and they generously gave them to us for free. Then we called on the Lions Club to join us and not only did they show up with sandpaper and paintbrushes, they even bought the paint themselves."

"It rained all week, and when the Rotarians couldn’t make it, the Floating Coconuts Crew stepped in to finish the painting. Next, we needed decals, so off the barrels went to All Star. But we had no way to transport them so we asked GeoGas, and without hesitation, they offered their truck. All Star Signs delivered the graphics beautifully, and then our Rotarians and newly inducted Lions from American Samoa Community College joined in to place the barrels where they belonged."

"I share this whole process because it wasn’t just one person, one club, or one company, it was a community. Month after month, environmental groups clean this park and still collect over 20 bags of trash. These barrels are more than bins; they’re a shared reminder that keeping our spaces clean is everyone’s responsibility."

Small Actions, Big Impact

Lions 202K District Governor Lynda Halverson witnessed the project's impact firsthand during that Saturday morning:

"While we were checking out the old bins, a lady passing by, rubbish in hand, saw us and decided to do the right thing. Straight to the bin it went! A small act, but a perfect reminder that when we care for our spaces, others follow suit."

Distributing the new trash barrels in Lions Park.

On Wednesday, October 15, Lions and Rotarians distributed the newly painted barrels throughout the park. The ASG Department of Parks and Recreation continues to play a vital role by regularly emptying the bins, ensuring the system works for everyone.

By the Numbers

The impact of this collaborative effort extends far beyond fresh paint:

• 4 community service clubs working together (Rotary Club of Pago Pago, Rotaract Club of Pago Pago, Leo Club of South Pacific Academy, Lions Club of Pago Pago)

• 4+ businesses contributing resources (Starkist Samoa, Westland Construction, GeoGas, All Star Signs, and others)

• 1 very supportive government - the project is meaningless without the help of ASG Department of Parks & Recreation to regularly empty the barrels.

• 1 paddling club the Floating Coconuts Canoe Club who use the park shore every day and helped paint

• Countless volunteers donating their time and energy

• 8 barrels emptied weekly, collecting approximately 2 bags of trash each

• Over 2 years: An estimated 16 tons (14,500 kilos) of trash kept off the ground and out of the ocean

Join the Movement

Every piece of trash in these barrels represents a step toward a cleaner park and a stronger, more connected community. From the initial donation of materials to the final placement of barrels, this project proved that collaboration creates lasting change.

If you believe in the power of community and want to be part of projects that make a real difference - from cleaner parks to youth leadership and beyond - Rotary could be a great fit. The Rotary Club of Pago Pago is always searching for new friends, fresh ideas, and helping hands.

Ask a Rotarian to be a guest at one of our weekly meetings. Lend your voice and help shape the next chapter of service in American Samoa. Together, we turn small actions into lasting impact.