St. Croix, US Virgin Islands – On Thursday, March 14th, 2024, Governor Albert Bryan Jr, Senate President Novelle Francis, Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Calvert White, Office of Disaster Recovery Director Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien as well as members of the 35th Legislature, cabinet members, and the community celebrated the reopening of the newly reconstructed ADA-compliant pavilions at Cramer's Park Beach.The Cramer’s Park pavilions play a pivotal role in unifying community members. With new, bright, fresh colors and innovative branding giving each pavilion a unique name, the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation (DSPR) is restoring that sense of unity and camaraderie.DSPR Commissioner Calvert White shared that “Cramer’s Park is a canvas for celebrations, a sanctuary for serenity, and a stage for endless adventures. Over the years, this beach has witnessed countless gatherings, from lively parties to heartfelt class reunions, each leaving its own imprint on the sands of time. And now, with the erection of the new pavilions, we usher in a new era for Cramer's Park Beach – a season where camping under the stars becomes a fashionable affair once more. These pavilions symbolize more than just shelter; they represent a commitment to building back better and providing an enhanced beach experience for residents and visitors.”The facility’s repairs include new grills, fencing, concrete picnic tables, ADA-compliant walkways, and hardened pavilions built to withstand hurricane-force winds, as well as free WIFI access, thanks to ViNGN.In his remarks, Governor Alber Bryan Jr. said, “Today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony underscores our continued progress in hurricane recovery and highlights this administration’s dedication to not only enhance recreational facilities across St. Croix but also preserve spaces of cultural significance for our local families. By investing in projects like these, we reaffirm our commitment to encouraging residents young and old, to engage in outdoor activities, fostering a healthy, vibrant community deeply rooted in our shared heritage and values.”The Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation would like to acknowledge its St. Croix staff for its impeccable execution of the ceremony and contractor DVD Construction for their efforts to reconstruct the facility. Additional thanks to the Office of Disaster Recovery for their dedication to ensuring the completion of this facility and all DSPR projects territory-wide.For information on hours of operation and how to reserve the Flamboyant, Frangipani, Bougainvillea, Hibiscus, or Ginger Thomas pavilions, please call the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation’s office at 340-773-0160.​

TThe Office of Disaster Recovery (O.D.R.) announced Thursday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has obligated $1,599,393 to the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation (DSPR) to refurbish recreational facilities at two St. Croix beaches.FEMA’s Public Assistance Program will fund the replacement of damaged beachfront facilities at the Fort Frederik Beach in Frederiksted and Cramer Park on the east end of St. Croix, said the O.D.R.The concession building at Cramer Park and the bathhouse at the Ft. Frederik Beach suffered severe wind and water damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria, resulting in water infiltration and exterior damage to various building components limiting the availability of services to locals and tourists alike.The concession stand at the east end beach has been closed since the 2017 storms, but temporary repairs were made to the bathrooms at Ft. Frederik permitting limited use, the O.D.R. said.“The Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation is excited to restore these facilities for access for the people that turn to our beaches for exercise and relaxation,” said the Commissioner of the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation, Calvert White. “The Department is pushing forward to get repairs made to these popular local beaches and all our facilities.”Pavilions at both locations were demolished, leaving only two standing but leaning at Cramers Park. These spaces are community favorites for beach days, concerts, meetings, retreats, and parties. Five pavilions will be rebuilt at Cramer Park and one at Fort Frederik, the O.D.R. said.The Ft. Frederik Beach across from the former Paul E. Joseph Stadium is the closest beach to the Ann Abramson Pier. It is easily accessible and within walking distance for cruise ship passengers and visitors to downtown Frederiksted.“Refurbishing these locations will not only reinstate these recreational areas for our community but also improve St. Croix’s tourism product,” said Adrienne L. WilliamsOctalien, O.D.R. director. “Accessing the funds to restore these facilities is a step in the right direction. ODR is working closely with the agencies to ensure projects get started and bring our facilities back online.”Damaged concession stand at Cramer Park Beach By OFFICE OF DISASTER RECOVERY