Feb. 19, 2005 – After a couple years in the works, the new facilities at Hawksnest Beach are finally finished. The facilities officially opened Feb. 12.
"I would like to thank the local people and visitors to St. John for the patience they have exhibited during the construction phase," V.I. National Park Superintendent Art Frederick said in a news release issued Thursday.
He invited beach goers to try the new facilities and take a swim in Hawksnest Bay.
The beach now has four new bathrooms, changing facilities and two new picnic pavilions. The picnic tables for the pavilions are on order, but when they arrive, each pavilion will have four tables each.
All facilities are accessible to handicapped users and replace pavilions, changing rooms and restrooms that had long been in poor condition.
The project, begun 18 months ago, was completed by Addison Construction and Maintenance Co., of St. Thomas, for a cost of $300,000.
During construction, about half the parking lot remained closed, but the beach was open.
"We're happy that it's open because it's a locals beach," the park's public information officer, Beulah Dalmida-Smith, said Friday.
A special use permit is required for groups to use the picnic sheds for parties, functions and activitie, but there is no charge for the general public to use this beach and the facilities.
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