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- Grafenwoehr Fitness Center and
Sports Complex:
Inspiration Found — Inside and Out
With the opening of the new $18.9 million Physical Fitness Center and Sports Complex at U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr, Germany, the ever changing and expanding post community now has a premier indoor and outdoor fitness and sports haven to meet the growing demand for sports, wellness and fitness programs and facilities.
According to Serge Kearse, chief, Sports & Fitness Operation Branch, USAG Grafenwoehr, the impetus for the project was to properly support the expected arrival of an additional “brigade-size element” to the Grafenwoehr military community. “The project,” says Kearse, “brought many together to work toward one common goal of improving the quality of life on post for all — from soldiers and their families to DoD employees and civilians.”
- Military Pools Making Waves Year Round
For military aquatic facility managers, knowing what is going on in the pool can be a full time job in itself. Combat training ... fitness ... recreation ... competitions ... lifesaving and lifeguard training — military pools are busy year-round, providing perfect environments for survival and combat training for servicemembers, while providing programs, classes and events that help to improve the quality of life for many.
U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswain's Mate Airman Eric Alcala represents USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) in a 700-meter search and rescue swim race during Surface Line Week in San Diego, Calif.
U.S. Navy photo by
Mass Communication Specialist
Seaman Joseph Pol Sebastian Gocong.
-
Clemyjontri Park Playground Raises Children Up
When Adele Lebowitz made the unsolicited donation of the Lebowitz family estate in 2000 to the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA), she envisioned a project that would provide a fully accessible playground oasis for children, especially those with physical, sensory or developmental disabilities.
“One of the park highlights is a completely accessible carousel, uniquely designed for absolute ease of access,” says Mark Holsteen, project manager. “The deck is accessible for all — no ramp is needed.”
On Oct. 9, 2006, after over five years of planning, fund raising and construction, she got her wish, as the Fairfax County Park Authority, McLean, Va., unveiled the $6 million Clemyjontri Park in a much-anticipated ribbon cutting ceremony.
As Mrs. Lebowitz, now in her 90s, addressed the throngs of families, supporters, and park and city officials, her dream of a fully accessible playground where every child is welcome had come true, evidenced by the screams from children playing on the new playground as she gave her heart-felt address. Ceremonies also included remarks by local officials, congress members, park supporters, members of the Park Authority Board as well as a musical performance and rides on the carousel, which is the focal point of the park. The name — Clemyjontri — is derived from combining the four Lebowitz children's names.
- The Call of
the Great Wild
The coming of warmer weather over much of the U.S. will be sending millions out into the great wild to enjoy nature's splendor. As many look to shake off those winter blues, one look no further than the military for exciting outdoor programs, trips and activities to get the blood going — including rock climbing, land sailing, skeet, white-water rafting, and jet skiing, to name just a few.
Land sailing is very popular at
Edwards AFB, Calif.
From Edwards AFB, Calif., near Channel Islands National Park, to Fort Gordon, Ga., near Strom Thurmond Lake, the outdoor recreation departments are providing top-notch recreations programs, equipment and training tailored to their unique natural environments. Equipment rental programs at each installation — and throughout the military — are also heating up as more people look to get out and get active, whether it be kayaking, hiking, camping or boating.
- Providing Time for Play and Exercise ...
Teaching Children
Sun-Safe Habits
In the past few years many government, community, and local leaders — as well as concerned parents — have joined in the battle to stem the startling rise in obesity in our youth. And although this epidemic has garnered much attention, there is still a long way to go, as statistics continue to show increases in obesity in children.
Shaded playground at Ackerman Park, Fla.
Photo courtesy of Apollo Sunguard
The Partnership for Play Every Day, a newly-founded public-private, non-profit sector collaboration, is doing its part to help children to get more active. The Partnership calls on all sectors of our communities to work together toward a comprehensive, action-oriented response to ensure all American children engage in at least 60 minutes of play every day.
Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) has joined forces with the Partnership and is sponsoring the Promoting Lifelong Active Youth Every Day or “PLAY Every Day” bill that would require federal agencies to support the development of a measurement tool to assist communities in identifying strengths and gaps in policies and programs for physical activity for children and youth. The bill would also authorize federal agencies to fund model communities of play to develop action plans that promote increased opportunities for quality play, spaces for play and voices for play.
- Drive-in Movies Are Back — No Car Necessary
For those of us old enough to remember drive-in movie theaters (the last one by me closed over 20 years ago), the latest trend in recreation — movies shown outdoors on inflatable screens — should come as no surprise. With spring almost here, and as outdoor recreation managers get ready planning outdoor recreation events and entertainment for the coming busy outdoor seasons, showing movies outdoors — poolside, in the park, on a playing field — is growing in popularity in the military.
The huge resurgence in recent years of outdoor movies and Movies in the Park has created a big demand from communities, cities and movie fans for portable video screens.
Photo courtesy of Open Air Cinema
Departments:
Inside Industry:
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On the Cover:
A student at the Aircraft Survival Training Center at MCAS Miramar (Calif.) swims in a flight suit with equipment Feb. 7. The students completed their refresher course at the air station that is required every four years for aircrew members. Photo by Lance Cpl. George J. Papastrat. | ||||||||
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