May 12, 2003 – The long anticipated re-opening of the Dorothea Tot Lot on St. Thomas' North Side took place Saturday and there was a lot to celebrate. The youngsters took in the many opportunities to play on the new recreation equipment, and the volunteers who worked tirelessly and overcame a slew of obstacles could rest their eyes on their accomplishments.
The tot lot is now a modern facility where young people can gather to just have plain old fun. With a $40,000 appropriation the Northside Civic Organization took hold of the lot and renovated it into a top-notch recreational area. With new fencing, toys, recreation gear and a modern surface, several government officials referred to it as one of the best areas for recreation territorywide.
In recent years, the tot lot had become a rundown haven for drug peddlers and others involved in illicit activity.
Ann Arnold of the Northside Civic Organization said the renovation of the tot lot was a dream of hers for the last eight years. She recalled how the effort continued despite the opposition by community members and those who reside near the lot.
"With the help of Sen. Lorraine Berry, the Northside Sportsfishing Club and the Civic Organization, we have done it," Arnold said.
About 100 gathered at the tot lot for the mid-day ceremonies but long before that the young people were enjoying the swings, monkey bars, slide and horses.
"This is great," one young child said as she frolicked up and down the plastic slide in the center of the lot. "We can run, swing and ride horsey," she said.
Housing, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ira Hobson said his agency was pleased to support the renovation effort. "We had meetings and all the people came out to tell us how they wanted the park set up. This private-public relationship is how we can use government funding and community support to move things forward," Hobson said.
St. Thomas-Water Island Administrator James O'Bryan Jr., representing Gov. Charles Turnbull, hailed the private-public partnerships. "You have shown how this can work for the betterment of the community," he said.
The Northside Civic Organization also handed out plaques to mark the event. Recipients included the Northside Sportsfishing Club, government representatives, the Anti-Litter and Beautification Commission, and several residents and volunteers who contributed to the effort.
Organization members noted that there remains some work left to be done, including paving the entrance to the tot lot and working on some drainage problems.
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