February 12, 2024

DSPR Celebrates the Reopening of Two Recreational Facilities on St. John

US Virgin Islands – On Friday, February 9, 2024, the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation held ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the newly renovated Cruz Bay Tennis and Orville Brown Basketball Courts on St. John.

For years, these courts have served as cornerstones of recreational facilities for the St. John community and as places where residents of all ages come out to engage in various sporting activities. These renovations not only provide a fresh visual representation of the resilience of our department and the Territory but also create a sense of unity and togetherness for all.

DSPR Commissioner Calvert White: “It is with great pleasure and excitement that we welcome you to witness the transformation of these sporting facilities into vibrant spaces that will undoubtedly become hubs of athleticism, camaraderie, and joy. The journey to this point was long but has been filled with dedication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the well-being of our community. The newly renovated Orville Brown Basketball Court and Cruz Bay Tennis Court stand as physical spaces and as symbols of unity, resilience, and the power of collective action.”

Governor Albert Bryan Jr, Senators, cabinet members, and members of the St. John community attended the celebratory event, recognizing the completion of both projects. They were also invited to participate in and observe various activities, which will be regularly held at the newly renovated facilities.

The $200K project, partially funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, includes new bleachers, galvanized roofing, fencing, renovated bathrooms, lights, a scoreboard, and resurfaced courts.

“Making sure that our community has facilities to be active, play with their children, and live their best healthy lives is a priority of this administration. We have beautiful islands, and now we have beautiful facilities to complement them,” remarked Governor Bryan.

The Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation would like to acknowledge its St. John staff for their hard work and the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority and Department of Public Works’ help with equipment and resources during the renovation period. Additional thanks to the Office of Disaster Recovery for their diligence in ensuring the completion of these parks and all park projects Territory-wide.

For more information on DSPR Facilities and hours of operation, please call the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation’s office at 340-774-0255.