The government has chosen six companies to build RD$400 million worth of sports venues for the Pan Am Games at the Mirador del Este Park. The companies are Pinsa-Marvar, Consorcio Dominico-Venezolano, Modesto, Setedom, Abreu-Soto and C&J Ingenieros. The builders have instructions to start next week. The awarding of the contracts has re-opened the controversy over whether the venues should be built at the park or not. Reportedly, former President Joaquin Balaguer recently told President Hipolito Mejia that he opposes construction in the park. His greatest opposition is to the gymnastics pavilion. Balaguer suggested that the venues go up on government property behind the V Centenario Race Track. President of the Organizing Committee of the Games, Dr. Jose Joaquin Puello, said President Mejia will have the last word. Dr. Puello announced that a modern pool would be built at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center, with the older one to used for warm ups. He also said a new volleyball pavilion would go up in the same center. Still undecided is the site of the equestrian games. The Dominican Equestrian Federation opposes the site being moved to the Casa de Campo equestrian center. Originally, these championships were to be held at a new site at the Mirador del Norte Park.
