West Side Sports Complex Reopens in Whim

St. Croix Times Staff

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. joined Acting Commissioner of Sports, Parks and Recreation Vincent Roberts, the Director of the Office of Disaster Recovery Adrienne Williams-Octalien, and Kaj Reinhodt “Rookie” Jackson and his family as they were all on hand for the official reopening of the Reinholdt Jackson Sports Complex in estate Whim, Frederiksted.

The reopening marks the completion of a $1.1 million recovery project to restore the complex after it sustained significant damage during the 2017 hurricanes. 

The Reinholdt Jackson Sports Complex has long been a beloved gathering place for youth athletics, family recreation, and community pride. The improvements were funded through federal disaster recovery dollars and reflect the Bryan-Roach Administration’s ongoing commitment to rebuilding stronger, safer, and more vibrant public spaces throughout the Virgin Islands.

The revitalized complex now features improved lighting, upgraded dugouts, and restored fencing around the baseball field. The project also includes a newly resurfaced basketball court and tennis courts, as well as a brand-new playground - transforming the complex into a multi-use space for residents of all ages.

The reopening also marked the start of the Dennis Brow 12U Invitational Baseball Tournament, which will be hosted at the complex. Youth teams from across the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico will be competing. The stellar event will surely bring excitement back to the field and celebrate the return of community sports to Frederiksted. 

“This field is a place where memories are made, where community grows, and where our young people learn the value of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance,” said Governor Albert Bryan Jr. “Reopening the Reinholdt Jackson Sports Complex restores more than just a facility. It restores hope. It invests in our future. And it honors the legacy of Kaj Reinholdt “Rookie” Jackson. His story is part of this community, and this complex will carry that legacy forward for generations.”

“This is a proud moment for our Department and for the Frederiksted community,” said Acting Commissioner Vincent Roberts. “We are giving our youth a safe and modern space to play and grow.”

“I grew up in Estate Two Williams and have so many fond memories of coming to this park with my family as a child,” remarked Adrienne Williams-Octalien. “To now return in this role and help bring it back to life is deeply personal. This is what recovery looks like - not just rebuilding, but restoring the spaces that shape who we are. And we are continuing to move these recovery projects forward with purpose and urgency, so more communities across our islands can benefit.”

The reopening of the Reinholdt Jackson Sports Complex is part of the Administration’s larger goal to rebuild and improve recreational spaces and public infrastructure across the Territory.