‘More Than Just a Pool’: Vincent Mason Facility Reopens as Community Gathers to Celebrate

“Today is a huge one,” said Vincent Roberts, as he surveyed the audience assembled at the Vincent Mason Pool on Friday. The nominee for commissioner of the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation called it an honor to be able to officially open the facility, noting the extensive amount of work that has been done over the years to get to this point. Public anticipation was high, Mr. Roberts said, remarking on the size of the crowd at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “I didn't realize how big it was until there was an announcement that the pool was done, and then the phone calls started coming.” James Benton, principal of J Benton Construction, called the project more than just a job. The construction team “grew up learning how to swim here,” he said, “splashing in the water, spending summers with friends and family, and building memories that last a lifetime.” With the rehabilitation of the pool complete, Mr. Benton said, those that worked on the project – as well as the wider communit...