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St. John recreation programs expanding but DSPR flags staffing and lifeguard shortages
Summary
DSPR leaders told senators St. John programs — youth leagues, summer camps and senior classes — are returning and expanding, but officials said the department lacks staff, has difficulty retaining employees, and currently has no lifeguards stationed on St. John.
Acting Commissioner Vincent Roberts and Deputy Director Elroy Hill told the Senate committee that the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation (DSPR) is expanding youth and adult leagues, continuing summer camps and adding non-sport programming, but the department struggles to recruit and retain staff.
“Employees shortage threatens our ability to serve the community to our full potential,” Hill said during the Feb. 21 St. John hearing. Senators repeatedly pressed the department on head count and pay as the committee reviewed program needs.
Programs and participation: The department reported St. John summer camps remain priced at $150 for a six-week season and typically enroll between 40 and 60 children on the island. DSPR has restarted adult and youth leagues including a seven-team coed adult league, a second-year coed kickball league and Little League activity in T-ball and youth divisions. The department said it is diversifying offerings with drama, arts and “nontraditional games,” plus a planned domino tournament, junior 3-on-3 basketball tournaments and family game nights. The department also supports seniors’ exercise through the “Saint Ursula’s Senior Fit and Feisty Circle.”
Staffing shortages and hiring needs: Hill said St. John staff currently consist of one office staff, three recreation staff, three grounds staff and one maintenance/mechanic; the department said it needs at least two more recreation leaders and an additional grounds worker. Hill told senators the office had recently lost a grounds worker to retirement and noted salaries make recruitment difficult.
Lifeguards and beach safety: Committee members asked about lifeguard coverage for Oppenheimer Beach and other swimming areas. Roberts said the department currently has no lifeguards stationed on St. John; the territorial lifeguard presence consists of two lifeguards on St. Thomas and two vacancies. “We don't have any lifeguards on the Island Of St. John,” Roberts said. Senators urged collaboration with the National Park Service, which also trains and employs lifeguards, and asked the department to pursue shared staffing or memoranda of understanding.
Revenue and vendors: Hill explained vendors at the Cruz Bay park have operated seasonally for about eight years as a revenue source. The department runs a rotating schedule, placing vendors in the park for roughly six-week seasonal periods each quarter; senators urged exploring alternate vendor layouts or sites so park space is not crowded.
Equipment, vehicles and maintenance: The department said maintenance needs and aging vehicles constrain program delivery. Senators and DSPR agreed additional funding for personnel and equipment will be requested in the fiscal 2026 budget. The department also noted partnerships with community groups and the National Park Service to expand programming despite staff shortfalls.
Ending: The committee asked DSPR to provide a staffing plan with vacancy numbers, salary ranges and proposed budget increases; senators said they would consider supplemental funding and asked the department to return with procurement and personnel detail.
