The Vincent F. Mason Sr. Coral Resort and Park officially opened to the public Friday in Frederiksted, St. Croix.
Following a ribbon-cutting attended by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., V.I. Disaster Recovery Office Director Adrienne Williams-Octalien, contractor J. Benton, president and founder James Benton, and other officials, residents gathered Friday afternoon to celebrate the predominantly FEMA-funded reopening of the west end’s only public pool.
“It’s very good that we have the pool open, because at least the kids them have something to do this summer,” said Maddy Martinez, who just moved back to St. Croix.
Friday’s “Family Fun Day” boasted music, bounce houses, carnival games, a petting zoo, and a smorgasbord of free food for kids and adults. In a statement this week, Bryan said the event was part of his administration’s Healthier Horizons initiative to improve and encourage use of the territory’s public recreational spaces.
“Our goal is simple. We want to support the health and wellness of our residents. By revitalizing these public spaces, we are investing in our people and the future of the Virgin Islands,” he said.
Deputy Health Commissioner Janis Valmond testified to the public health benefits of a recreational space like the Vincent F. Mason Coral Resort and Park Friday afternoon.
“First of all, we need our Vitamin D. We need the 15 minutes of Vitamin D every day. So being able to be outdoors is one benefit of the public pool, she said before noting that swimming is one of the best things people can do to foster cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death for Virgin Islanders,” Valmond said.
Valmond encouraged “families to come out, be physically active out here, enjoy the water, enjoy the swimming, enjoy the environment, and just always, always understand that being able to do that is a benefit overall for health — but definitely for chronic disease conditions that tend to plague our community.”
Migdalia Nieves told the Source she was among the first to take advantage of the reopened pool when she took a therapy swim Friday afternoon.
“I’ve been coming here for over 10 years, but I had stopped as I got older — a lot of kids grown, so. But I’m back here for me, now,” she said before explaining the therapeutic value of swimming in a pool versus the beach.
“I hope everybody remember — the west side, from east to west, wherever — come and enjoy the pool,” she said. “Keep the area clean … and no issues. And just have fun with each other’s neighbors here at the pool. Weekend, holidays or whatever day.”
