With the completion of a new skatepark, donor walkway, and a renewed sense of momentum, the revitalization of Ezra Fredericks Ballpark is well underway — and already attracting visitors.

Now open to the public, the over 16,000-square-foot skatepark was designed for all skill levels and supports all forms of nonmotorized wheeled recreation, including skateboards, scooters, and bikes. The skatepark features a diverse array of ramps, rails, and bowls, thoughtfully designed to accommodate riders from beginners to experienced skaters, offering a safe and engaging space for all. It joins a new playground and shaded seating area, both completed in March, as part of the park’s transformation into a vibrant, multiuse recreational facility.

The pace of progress at Ezra Fredericks Ballpark has been as remarkable as the transformation itself. In a territory where public projects often face lengthy delays, construction on the skate park began in mid-January and was completed by early summer — a turnaround that stands in stark contrast to projects like the Paul E. Joseph Stadium in Frederiksted, St. Croix, which has faced years of setbacks.

The group behind this project is the Virgin Islands Surfing Federation. While construction moved quickly once underway, the effort to bring a skatepark to St. Thomas was decades in the making. Multiple attempts have been made over the past 25 years, with the most recent — and ultimately successful — taking four years to realize, according to the Federation’s project lead and treasurer, Alex Israel.

The skatepark has been funded by a broad coalition of supporters. Hundreds of local businesses and individuals contributed — a testament to the strength and unity Virgin Islanders have in building a better future. Key supporters include Heavy Materials, Haugland, the Virgin Islands Sports, Parks and Recreation Department, AARP Virgin Islands, VI Wise, with the design by PushPark and construction led by professional skatepark builders Spohn Ranch. They were joined by dozens of private donors, volunteers, and community advocates, both public and anonymous. Many contributors are honored along the park’s Donor Walkway, a lasting tribute to the collective effort that made the project possible.

The revitalization effort also emphasizes sustainability, incorporating recycled and upcycled materials to reduce environmental impact while improving public amenities. For example, the fill for the above-ground sections of the skatepark came from sections of the Cyril E. King airport runway that had to be removed due to damage.

Officials say the project will serve as a cornerstone for community building and promote active, outdoor lifestyles for residents of all ages. The skatepark can also be used for crime prevention, highlighting this idea is VIPD Captain Sandra Colbourne, member of the VIPD Crime Prevention Bureau. “This facility will be a positive environment on St Thomas, making it less likely for youths to get caught up in the street life,” she said.

Israel emphasized the value of “third spaces” — places outside of school and home where youth can connect. “Providing the youth with positive and productive outlets is a way to lead to positive, productive outcomes in their lives,” he said.

“We’ve already seen it start to build community,” said Israel. “There’s just a lot of joy and new relationships being formed. I’ve seen a lot of children making new friends.”

That idea is echoed in the USC study “Beyond the Board: Findings from the Field,” which notes that skate and bike parks foster intercultural communication and that “skaters are excellent critical thinkers and problem-solvers who view success from a communal perspective.”

According to Israel, “Riding is the great equalizer. It doesn’t matter what your skin color is, or what your socioeconomic status is — none of that matters when you’re out riding and learning to use the park. It brings people together through the shared experience of overcoming obstacles — both literal and figurative — and just having fun, being outside, and sharing the experience of joy.”

That sentiment is echoed in a quote etched into one of the bricks along the park’s donor walkway, attributed to Albert Einstein: “Play is the highest form of research.”

Skate Thomas, a local skating group, will now host its weekly Tuesday evening sessions at Ezra Fredericks Ballpark, starting around 5:15 p.m. The group invites skaters of all ages and skill levels to come out, connect, and enjoy the new facility. Looking ahead, organizers are planning a grand opening celebration in late summer or early fall, featuring live bands, professional skate demonstrations, food trucks, and more.