Community members gathered Saturday for the official ribbon-cutting of a new playground and shade structure at the Ezra Fredericks Ballpark, marking a major milestone in the multiphase revitalization of the space, located in Estate Frydenhoj on St. Thomas. The initiative, led by the Virgin Islands Surfing Federation, aims to transform the area into a multiuse facility for local youth.
The playground and shade structure are the first completed elements of the project, with the second phase — the construction of a skate and bike park — already halfway done. The park is expected to be finished in May.
“We’ve been working on this initiative for the last three years, starting with securing government support and identifying a location,” said Alex Israel, the organization’s treasurer and project manager. “The community’s financial contributions and partnerships have been instrumental in making this a reality.”
Funding for the project exceeded initial expectations. Originally planned as a $300,000 effort, significant in-kind donations and community fundraising, led to much of the organization’s vision being fulfilled. Among the key contributors were Heavy Materials, which donated all the concrete; Haugland Group, which provided fill and drainage work using upcycled materials from the airport runway; MSI, which supplied lumber and rebar; and Island Roads, which contributed heavy machinery.
Approximately 40 percent of the funds came from businesses benefiting from the territory’s Economic Development Commission Program, demonstrating a successful public-private partnership, Israel said. “It’s a win for the program, seeing tax-incentivized businesses putting money into a project that directly benefits local youth,” he shared.
The Charity Chicks, a local nonprofit, also played a crucial role in supporting the playground, having set aside funds in years past for the project and most recently using funds held within the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands to cover two-thirds of the cost.
Designed in partnership with Playworld, the playground adheres to Certified Playground Safety Inspector standards, while the skate and bike park has been developed in collaboration with Push Parks to ensure a safe and engaging space for young athletes.
And, community use of the new facilities has already been strong. “In the evenings before dark, there are families out here, kids playing – this has brought life back to a space that was once vibrant,” Israel noted. The project was also planned to maintain field space for seven-on-seven soccer and other activities, ensuring that multiple sports can continue to use the park.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has also committed government support to further infrastructure repairs, including improved fencing and lighting installation, which will be critical for extended park usage, which he shared during the official opening ceremonies Saturday. The Sports, Parks, and Recreation Department is overseeing additional enhancements, including work on a nearby cricket pitch and basketball court repairs.
