Vincent F. Mason, Sr. Coral Resort Reopens

St. Croix Times Staff

St. Croix - On May 9, 2025, the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation (DSPR) held a ribbon - cutting ceremony, marking the reopening of the Vincent F. Mason, Sr. Coral Resort and Park. 

Governor Albert Bryan Jr., DSPR Commissioner Nominee Vincent Roberts, Senators, agency heads, the family of Mr. Mason, and community members attended the celebratory event. 

     Located on the West End of St. Croix, the beloved community park, houses the only public pool providing a safe space for social gatherings, swimming lessons, and other events. The comprehensive renovation project totaled just over $6.3 million and was primarily funded by a $5.8 million obligation from FEMA. This investment echoes the agency’s and Territory’s commitment to restoring and enhancing community spaces impacted by Hurricane Irma and Maria. 

“Today’s reopening stands as a powerful reminder of our collective resilience and commitment to community restoration,” Mr. Roberts stated. “Thanks to our dedicated partners and the support of FEMA, we have not only rebuilt a facility - we have reimagined a space that brings families, friends and neighbors together.”

The revitalized park now boasts a range of enhancements designed to improve accessibility, safety, and enjoyment for all visitors, These improvements include new picnic benches, grill stations, bathrooms, and cabanas. The newly constructed pool has an ADA-compliant lift and a state-of-the-art pump and filtration system. Upgrades were also made to harden the pavilion, and before the end of June, a playground is expected to be added to the grounds. This is a significant milestone for the Frederiksted community. These upgrades build community resilience, enhancing the facility’s ability to withstand future weather events and boost local tourism by providing diverse and engaging experiences. 

DSPR anticipates opening the beachfront “We commit to keep you fit” park daily from 9am to 5pm. The pool is expected to have the same hours once a lifeguard is present.  

“This project is a shining example of the Administration’s determination to rebuild despite the obstacles and how federal funding can be effectively utilized to rebuild and improve our community spaces,” remarked Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, Director of the Office of Disaster Recovery at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “The Vincent F. Mason, Sr. Coral Resort and Park will serve as a beacon of resilience and recovery for Frederiksted.”

The project took several years to complete after work stopped to address significant changes to the scope in 2021. After revisions, approvals, and multiple solicitations for competitive bids, work restarted in 2024 and was completed in March 2025 by local contractor J. Benton Construction.  

“Today’s reopening underscores our Administration’s strong commitment to revitalizing community spaces across the Territory,” Governor Bryan stated as he emphasized the importance of the project. ”This facility represents a meaningful investment in the quality of life for our residents, offering a safe, modern, and accessible place for recreation and community gatherings. It’s a clear example of our focus on delivering tangible results that benefit Virgin Islanders today and for years to come.”