Government Inaction Leaves Cruz Bay Park Barren

 

Frank Powell Sr. Park in Cruz Bay is in need of more greenery, according to resident Nancy Nemeth.

While touting private and public partnerships, one St. John woman’s offer of free services to the V.I. government has fallen on deaf ears.
More than a year after completing renovations to the Frank Powell Park in the heart of Cruz Bay, the area remains largely barren of plants with shrubs found only in a few areas.

One St. John resident, with help from local landscapers eager to offer their services free of charge, is ready to change that, but after months of meetings and exchanging emails, she has not been able to get the go-ahead from government officials.

Nancy “Sas” Nemeth was originally inspired to get involved with Cruz Bay park politics in order to help vendors get permission to sell during St. John Festival, she explained.

 “Last year during Festival the park was under construction and they assured us this year the park would be ready and we’d be there,” said Nemeth. “We wanted to be in the park, but they shoved us behind the Department of Tourism office and the rest they threw over by Nature’s Nook.”

Inquiries with St. John Administrator Leona Smith led Nemeth to discussions with Department of Housing, Parks and Recreation officials.

The Frank Powell Park, however, is still under the domain of Department of Public Works, not Parks and Recreation, because renovations are not officially complete, Nemeth discovered.

“I got 200 signatures on a petition to allow vendors in Cruz Bay park which I sent to Governor John deJongh, the Parks and Recreation commissioner and Leona Smith,” said Nemeth. “I was informed that Public Works is still in control of the park.”

Undeterred, Nemeth met with DPW engineer James Jones Jr. who pleaded for her patience, she explained.

“I went to St. Thomas and visited Mr. James Jones, Jr., an engineer for Public Works who gave me a copy of what the finished park was supposed to look like,” Nemeth said. “He said they needed dirt in order to finish the landscaping. And once the landscaping was done, the park would be transferred to Parks and Recreation.”

“He asked me to please be patient and told me that they had to still work on irrigation, landscaping and signage,” Nemeth said. “It’s a little late to do anything with irrigation at this point; no one is going to rip up the new brick they installed. And the landscaping and signage is what I am trying to get finished for them, for free.”

Nemeth decided to focus on helping DPW complete landscaping in Frank Powell Park and to fight for vendors to return to the park on a regular basis once the area is under the directive of HPR.

“I’ve talked to landscapers who are all willing to donate their services and even create signs,” said Nemeth. “I know I can use a truck and have the dirt delivered. We could take care of the whole project.”

When faced with Nemeth’s offer of free landscaping services, donated flora and volunteer time, however, DPW officials have not responded.

“I have not heard from anyone and have not been able to get anywhere,” she said. “This is not going to cost the government any money or any time. It’s a no-brainer.”

“I don’t event want to use a government truck to transport dirt,” said Nemeth. “I know DPW is busy and that Commissioner Daryl Smalls has a lot to do. He has other things to worry about like the road falling down.”

With DPW so busy, Nemeth would be more than happy to spearhead a community-led Frank Powell Park landscaping project.

“If he doesn’t have the time or energy or money, there are other people willing and able to do this,” said Nemeth. “It’s just a matter of getting permission; that’s all I’m asking for. Let us get things done.”

Eventually, Nemeth would like to see vendors selling locally crafted art, jewelry and more in Frank Powell Park on a regular basis, she added.

“Once the landscaping and signage are done, then we could bring back vendors once a week for art in the park,” said Nemeth. “It would be nice to have this done by Christmas so we could have vendors for a Christmas fair.”