PARKS, PUBLIC LIBRARIES GET ON PATH TO RECOVERY ACROSS U.S. VIRGIN
ISLANDS
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20220927/parks-public-libraries-get-path-recovery-across-us-virgin-islands]


Release Date: 
九月 27, 2022 

ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Parks and public libraries serve
communities throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands by providing a source
for recreation, community, education and historical and cultural
environments. An interruption in operations at these facilities can
disrupt many routines and a closure of public libraries can limit and
often times prevent a student’s ability to perform their schoolwork
without a dedicated, structured environment.  

FEMA's whole-community approach to recovery includes collaborating
with the territory on projects for parks and public libraries to
recover from the damage caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria in
September 2017. Parks, recreational facilities and libraries play
important roles in a community’s well-being, providing an
opportunity to stay active. As well, libraries encourage learning,
exposure to arts and crafts, opens them to the world through books and
are historical and cultural landmarks across the territory.

FEMA has committed $26.4 million for repairs to 56 sports, parks and
recreational facilities across the territory. 

“The Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation is grateful to the
Federal Emergency Management Agency for providing the funds that allow
us to repair and, in some cases, reconstruct the territory’s
recreational facilities. The grants awarded by FEMA’s Public
Assistance Program support our efforts to provide high-quality
recreational spaces and activities to our community,” said
Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Calvert White.

Projects on St. Croix include repairs to Pedro Cruz Ballpark in
Kingshill, Isaac Boynes Ballpark in Frederiksted and Cramer’s Park
Pavilion. 

Other repair and restoration projects are planned for St. John and St.
Thomas. On St. John, the Winston Wells Ballpark, the Orville Brown
basketball court and the Cruz Bay tennis court will undergo
improvements. The Emile Griffith Ballpark, Lionel Roberts Stadium and
completed Joseph Aubain Ballpark on St. Thomas will also benefit from
restoration efforts.

While the revitalization of the territory's parks and recreational
facilities can benefit the entire community, so can the restoration of
libraries. “Libraries create a conducive environment to learning and
lay the groundwork toward the development of strong communities,”
said FEMA U.S. Virgin Islands Recovery Director Kristen A. Hodge.
“Working with the V.I. Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation
and the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources to rebuild
these important community institutions will leave a legacy for future
generations," said Recovery Director Hodge.

FEMA is obligating $5.8 million to five public libraries in the U.S.
Virgin Islands for hurricane repairs. Library repairs will include
$669,400 in hazard mitigation measures to infrastructure damaged by
the 2017 storms.

FEMA's $1.8 million obligation to the Florence A. Williams and
Athalie M. Petersen libraries' repairs on St. Croix includes $608,200
in hazard mitigation measures, such as the installation of ceramic
flooring to replace carpet and vinyl flooring and door dams to stop
further flooding at the Williams site.

The Charles W. Turnbull Regional Public Library on St. Thomas will
receive $2.9 million toward renovations.

The restoration of Charlotte Amalie's Enid M. Baa Library and Archives
highlights the importance of historic preservation in disaster
recovery. Enid Baa, born in 1911 on St. Thomas, was a librarian,
educator and historian. She was a leading advocate for the
establishment and administration of libraries in the territory.

After repairing the site, VI DPNR intends to use the Baa Library
building as a community gathering space and visitor welcome center.
FEMA has obligated $706,000 for Baa Library repairs. Stainless-steel
doors, wire caging to protect air conditioners from flying debris and
strengthening windows with hardware to withstand storm-force winds are
among the $61,100 approved hazard mitigation measures for the library.

FEMA obligated $271,200 for hurricane repairs to the Elaine I. Sprauve
Library and Museum in Cruz Bay on St. John. This project will include
American Disability Act-compliant push buttons on exterior and
interior doors.

FEMA will continue to collaborate with the territorial departments of
Sports, Parks and Recreation and Planning and Natural Resources to
ensure FEMA Public Assistance projects to repair recreational
facilities and public libraries will benefit the entire community
equitably.

 [The Virgin Islands Department of Sports, ] 
The Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation is
managing repairs to Emile Griffith Ballpark in Charlotte Amalie on St.
Thomas. FEMA has committed $1.4 million for repairs to the park, which
was damaged from hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017. Hazard
mitigation measures of about $32,595 funded through the Public
Assistance Program include new fabric for the park's batting cage and
infield to improve drainage from rains. FEMA/Eric Adams

 [Hurricane repairs began in March at the Elaine I] 
Hurricane repairs began in March at the Elaine I. Sprauve Library &
Museum in Cruz Bay on St. John. The library, which is managed by the
V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources, was damaged during
hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017. FEMA is providing
$271,200 for the building's repairs.  FEMA/Eric Adams