Sen. Samuel Carrión recently celebrated the groundbreaking of a new roof for the Estate Profit Basketball Court on St. Croix.
He is the primary sponsor of the initiative to construct steel roofs over Virgin Islands basketball courts. The event marked a “transformative step towards strengthening our recreational infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for the youth and families of St. Croix,” according to Carrión.
He emphasized the project’s significance as an investment in the community and its youth, stating that “Today’s groundbreaking is more than a construction milestone; it represents our commitment to investing in our communities and in our young people.” The aim is to create a space “where young athletes can thrive, and our families and neighbors can gather in a safe, welcoming environment.”
The new roof will transform the basketball court into an all-weather venue, offering year-round access and allowing it to serve as a community hub. Carrión was joined at the groundbreaking by Sen. President Novelle Francis Jr., Sen. Angel Bolques, keynote speaker Judge Emile E. Henderson III, and other community members, according to the press release.
This project is the first phase of a larger vision to upgrade basketball courts throughout the Territory, creating spaces that promote health, unity, and recreation. Carrión worked closely with the Eddie Ortiz Annual Three Kings Tradition, Inc., whose dedication he credited as instrumental to the project’s success, the press release stated.
His inspiration for this initiative came from observing the steel roof coverings on many outdoor basketball courts in Puerto Rico. He explained that these roofs “make them more usable in all conditions and helps protect the integrity of the court’s surface, in addition to providing a sheltered area for other activities.”
He concluded by stating, “Together, we are creating spaces that will inspire and empower our young people, foster community unity, and strengthen our Territory. This is a proud day for St. Croix, and I look forward to seeing many more facilities transformed in service of our residents. This is just the beginning.”
