Thursday, May 7, 2026
DSPR Celebrates the Start of Construction on Keystone Community Center in Estate Profit
ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation (DSPR), in collaboration with the Government of the Virgin Islands, the Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR), and contractor Person Services Corp, held a project launch ceremony on May 7, 2026, to commemorate the start of construction of the Estate Profit Community Center on St. Croix.
“Today is not just about bricks and buildings. Today is about the community. It is about restoring historical spaces that have impacted generations before us and ensuring that they remain for generations to come,” said DSPR Commissioner Vincent L. Roberts. “This renovation presents promise: A promise to develop spaces for our young people to continue to develop and become better versions of themselves. Thank you to all our partners who have gotten us to this point. It truly shows what collaboration can do.”
Senators, government officials, project partners, residents, and recreational enthusiasts attended the ceremony marking the start of construction on the neighborhood landmark. The event underscored the community’s united commitment to the development and conservation of spaces that facilitate safe gatherings, networking, relaxation, and celebration.
Buddy Persons, President of Persons Services Corp, LLC, shared his team’s understanding of the project’s importance to the community. “To the residents of Estate Profit, this project is for you. Thank you for your patience throughout the process. Persons Services Corp is excited to get to work.”
The new Estate Profit Community Center will undergo structural repairs, interior and exterior renovations, electrical upgrades, plumbing improvements, and the addition of new recreational areas. The $4.2M project also includes enhanced mitigation measures, such as hurricane-rated fiberglass doors, impact-resistant windows, and cages for air-conditioning units.
“When we undertake these projects, it’s about restoring commemorative facilities and returning them to the community. For this, we thank FEMA for the funding that will help us revitalize this historical space,” stated ODR Director Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien. “To our contractors, you are the last leg of the relay. The baton passes to you now to finish the race to completion and turn a resilient community center back to the residents of Estate Profit, affectionately known as Machuchal.”
Constructed approximately sixty years ago, the center stands as a cornerstone for the residents of Estate Profit. It suffered extensive damage after the 2017 storms. It now joins nearly 35 other recreational facilities that are either under construction or have been completed by the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation, utilizing federal disaster recovery dollars.
Governor Bryan emphasized the importance of revitalizing this space.
“Machuchal is one of those solid, close-knit communities that remind us of who we are as Virgin Islanders. That is why we have been forceful and intentional about investing in recreational spaces across the Virgin Islands, and why I was adamant that this community center be rebuilt. Communities like Machuchal can never be forgotten or treated as an afterthought, because they are part of the foundation of our Virgin Islands story. Whether in office or out, it is my pledge to ensure this recreational space, and others like it across our Territory, remain hallmarks and historical pillars of our beautiful Virgin Islands tapestry for generations to come.”
The target completion date for the new Estate Profit Community Center is April 2027.
To learn more about the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation Facilities and hours of operations, visit. www.dspr.vi.gov.
