Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Haleck family is carrying forth the mission of their founder with the opening of the Graceland Family Center, a multi-level soft playground facility equipped with a child care center and two food vendors, privately owned by the by the family.

The opening program last week Thursday included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a sign reveal, and a tour of the facility. It is new business and offers a ‘chucky-cheese-like’ environment. A fee will be charged for entrance.

Governor Lemanu P. S Mauga who was one of the keynote speakers at the event said, “You have not only created a place of fun for the children, but also a place of refuge and a safe space for the youth.

“I commend the Haleck family for their gift to the children of American Samoa, and for letting us share in this monumental accomplishment with you,” said Lemanu.

 Graceland Family Center was first conceived by the late Reverend Otto Haleck Jr and his siblings as a new family business venture for an available property.

However, his goal wasn’t to seek the most profitable business, but to fulfill the mission of their parents, the late Reverend Max Haleck Jr and Taulima Haleck, to create a place for the youth and children of American Samoa to become inspired and to develop socially, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. He passed before the completion of the project.

The next generation of the Haleck Family came together to finish the facility and open its doors to the public. Graceland Family Center is open six days a week from 9am to 10pm