Army outdoor recreation: building for the year 2000 and beyond.

Base closures and drawdowns capture the headlines; but behind the scenes, Army Outdoor Recreation is quietly and aggressively upgrading its facilities for the military community.

How does this major Army recreation program continue to move forward despite a smaller work force and major reorganizations?

One way is that Army outdoor recreation directors are using a "quietly aggressive" and pro-active approach to develop their major construction and renovation programs successfully. This approach includes seeking customer feedback, converting that information into facility planning and design, gaining support at all levels, and following the project through completion.

A significant influencing factor in this approach's development was the Army Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) program's change in focus from a program to a business orientation. A major element of this new business approach is the requirement that installations survey their MWR programs to determine the interests and needs of their customers.

Within a relatively short period, outdoor recreation has shown a steady pattern of high demand at many installations. Many of the individuals responding to surveys had participated in outdoor activities prior to entering the Army, and they expected that similar activities would be available to them at installations.

This sustained, positive feedback revealed a need for installations to develop new or expanded outdoor recreation facilities. Because there are so many programming options within the outdoor recreation program--skiing, camping, horseback riding, archery, marine, and much more--important choices have to be made at each installation to determine the best place to put limited construction dollars

New Nationwide Network

After almost four years of following this new customer-driven approach toward construction, the result is a network of unique outdoor recreation facilities worldwide. As military personnel transfer to various assignments throughout their career, they and their families will have an opportunity to expand their outdoor skills, interests, and experiences.

It should be noted that while these projects would not have gotten off the ground without support from Installation Commanders and Directors of Personnel and Community Activities, the driving force for change has been installation outdoor recreation directors who ultimately are responsible for their programs.

Uchee Creek Campground

At the turn of the century, the Uchee Tribe occupied a large tract of land on what is now the northwestern part of Fort Benning, GA. When Ft. Benning initiated its campground project, the previous residents were recognized by naming it Uchee Creek Campground.

The highlight of this 325-acre camp area is the furnished, log cabin style accommodations. The wood structures compliment the southern pines and gently rolling landscape. There are 22 cabins available, 10 of which have lofts and can sleep up to six people. The units have a full kitchen, bathroom, air conditioning, and heating.

For those who prefer alternatives to cabins, there are 38 full hookup recreation vehicle (RV) sites and 27 with electricity and water. Tent camping also is available.

Although an inland waterway provides easy access to the river for excellent fishing, requests for a swimming pool continually appeared on the manager's desk. A pool was constructed in Spring 1994 and has a very high daily rate of users.

Other available services include picnic pavilions, fishing trips, retail operations, and a lodge for receptions, weddings, unit functions, and training seminars. Future plans include the construction of additional picnic pavilions, lighted shuffleboard court, and 10 additional cabins.

Fort Carson 

Possibly the future standard for equipment checkout centers in the Army outdoor recreation program is the facility at Fort Carson, CO, which opened in August 1994. The 17,400-square-foot center features a 32-foot high indoor climbing wall constructed of concrete, fiberglass, and steel mesh materials which give the wall the look and feel of natural rock. Routes can be altered depending on the skill level of the climber.

The center has several contemporary features. One is an automated information wall-sized map which helps patrons determine which area or areas best suit their interests. Through a touch-screen, multi-media system, users can select various categories of interest--for example, choosing between cold, warm, or high mountain lake fishing--and a laser printer immediately will print out a hard copy of the information requested. This service provides information about the type of fish in the area, type of lures to use, distance to the area, type of lodging available, and more.

Another feature is separate winter and summer checkout areas, which enables the center to be fully functional without having to store off-season equipment during those periods when seasons overlap. These areas also are fully automated; and once customers check out equipment, they are entered into the data base. Once in the data base, these customers can call ahead for their equipment; and it will be available when they arrive at the center. Considering the quantities of items available--i.e., over 1000 pairs of skis--the automated system benefits both the center and the customer.

Fort Carson also has a drive-up express. Customers can drive up to the window, complete the appropriate transaction (either receiving or turning in equipment), pick up their invoice or pay their bill, and in a matter of minutes be on their way.

The over 30-foot interior lobby conveys the feeling of an outdoor setting with large wooden beams, 15-foot high trees, and an imposing diorama featuring a mule deer and a mountain lion at the lobby entrance. Other services and facilities available include classrooms complete with audio visual support, a food preparation area for adventure outings, a retail outlet, and a recreational vehicle (RV) storage area which will accommodate over 150 vehicles.

Fort Belvoir 

When Fort Belvoir, VA, decided to expand its outdoor recreation programming--primarily in the area of constructing a ropes course--one of the first issues the installation needed to resolve was the possible impact the course might have on the environment. Since ropes courses typically have a long term affect on trees, Fort Belvoir began researching options which would provide the same or similar "elements" for a ropes course without the environmental damage.

As an alternative, Fort Belvoir decided to construct an Alpine Tower, a 50-foot tripod structure that offers multiple low and high elements for individuals, teams, and groups. Overall, it offers more elements than a typical ropes course. Another advantage is the mobility of the structure: it can easily be disassembled and moved to another location.

The tower's initial purpose was to provide a new outdoor recreation activity. Since its construction, however, commanders have used the tower with soldiers to build self-confidence, reinforce a team work approach, enhance problem solving abilities, and develop leadership skills.

Other special populations such as youth groups and alcohol and drug abuse organizations also can use the tower as a learning/teaching center.

Fort Hood and Beyond

In spring 1992, Texas--and particularly Fort Hood--was deluged with seemingly non-stop rain during a three-month period. At the sprawling, 2,000-plus acre Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area, the water level was 40 feet above normal. The water was so high that roads were impassable, the tops of 25-foot high picnic pavilions were barely visible, most of the campground was under water, and the boat dock and fishing piers had broken away from their moorings.

It was months before the water subsided and installation personnel could assess the damage. This was a major setback for the outdoor recreation program when you consider that Belton Lake averages over 20,000 users annually. Fortunately, the installation knew the potential of this valuable water resource and reacted quickly to renovate the area.

Through a combination of emergency appropriated funds and non-appropriated funds, meetings and conceptual designs began in June 1992 and the Belton Lake construction project was initiated in September 1992 and completed in June 1993.

To say simply that Belton Lake is a major recreation area would be an understatement. The following services and facilities provide an insight into the magnitude of the program:

* Sierra Beach, a sandy beach for swimming with a snack bar and 45 family picnic shelters;

* jet skis, wind surfers, deck boats, bass boats, ski boats, fishing boats, and party boats;

* 10 large picnic pavilions for private or unit functions;

* an enclosed fishing marina, a floating facility which will accommodate 100 fishermen on the inside or 150 on the outside decks;

* 10 fully equipped cottages;

* 105 family picnic shelters and more than 350 picnic tables;

* several acres for tent camping and 53 recreational vehicle (RV) sites with full hookups;

* two 300-foot waterslide flumes;

* secured dry storage area for private RVs, campers, and boats;

* Belton Ranch, offering equestrian activities, riding and roping lessons, trail rides, and camping facilities; and

* nature trail which winds through a scenic valley.

At the same time the Belton Lake upgrade was on the drawing board, design was underway for the outdoor recreation equipment checkout center. The center previously was housed in a series of temporary structures poorly located on Fort Hood. The new center opened in October 1994 in a high traffic area located directly across from the Main Exchange.

Fort McCoy 

Fort McCoy, WI, provides an excellent example of how to maintain an active construction program to increase recreation services to the community.

In the early '70s, a small scale winter recreation area was developed to provide both leisure fun and winter training for soldiers. In the late '70s, the original slope was extended, plus lighting was installed to promote night use. In 1983, Fort McCoy installed a snowmaking machine and constructed a chalet that includes a snack bar and an equipment checkout area.

In 1991, the chalet was renovated and a two-story addition constructed. The renovation doubled the size of the snack bar, increased the size of the equipment checkout and customer areas, included a first-aid room for the ski patrol, and provided additional space for maintenance and staff. In 1993, two downhill slopes were added.

McCoy's Whitetail Ridge Recreation Area encompasses approximately 200 acres, with more than 30 acres dedicated to ski development. The area offers winter activities that include downhill and cross country skiing, snow tubing, and snowmobiling.

Fort Sill 

All water activities at the popular Lake Elmer Thomas Outdoor Recreation Area at Fort Sill, OK, came to a sudden end in the mid-'80s when a leakage problem eliminated all water resources.

Last year, Fort Sill embarked on an ambitious program which not only would restore the previous area but also would offer the services and facilities of a deluxe recreational park. When the project is completed in summer 1995, there will be facilities for swimming at a sandy beach, boating, sailing, fishing, camping, picnicking, recreational vehicle hookups, hiking, tennis, water sliding, and mini-golf.

Previous users will notice upgraded lighted pavilions, a new boat launch area with easier launch access, improved parking, and a heated and cooled fishing house. Fort Sill is proud that many of the upgrades so far have been accomplished through self-help, including rebuilding the south spillway and the boat ramp, enlarging and deepening the marina, building the marina wall, and adding two fishing jetties.

Fort Monroe 

Implementing a business approach to customers had immediate positive results for the Fort Monroe, VA, marina program. Fort Monroe's accessibility to water, plus a large military community extremely active in water activities, prompted the installation to expand its marina operation in 1993 from 51 slips to 208.

The slips were one major facet of the upgrade. Additionally, other services and facilities were added, including a boat ramp, fuel pier, shower facilities, an expanded ship's store, and a restaurant/raw bar.

The main building at the marina was completely renovated. It now has a multi-level deck and houses the ship's store. The primary attraction, however, is the restaurant, "Ellers on the Bay," whose French doors provide easy access to the deck for outdoor dining.

Not to rest on its current success, Fort Monroe's future plans include building an additional 144 slips, additional shower and restroom facilities, a fuel storage building, a finger pier for 20 rental boats, and upgrading the six-ton boat lift to 10-ton capacity.

Fort Riley 

Fort Riley, KS, completely reorganized its outdoor recreation program with an emphasis focused on centrally locating activities and facilities.

The focal point for their construction initiative was the outdoor recreation equipment checkout center. The 6,000-square-foot facility includes a showroom large enough to display boats, campers, and other similar recreation equipment; an equipment storage and checkout area; two classroom/meeting areas; maintenance area; and an outside storage area.

Customers checking into the center have immediate access to a variety of activities including the five-stand sporting clay range, archery, equestrian activities, paintball, hunting, and fishing. The positive response to this consolidated concept by customers is indicative of their support for convenient "one stop recreational shopping."

With a favorable, year-round climate ideally suited for outdoor activities, Fort Bliss, TX, embarked on a program to completely upgrade their two major parks.

Renovation for Kelly Park began in the fall 1993 and was completed in October 1994. The park area was originally a housing area; and over a period of time, as the housing was being phased out, components of the park developed.

Over the years, patrons continued to use the area even without any major upgrades or improvements. As Fort Bliss MWR staffers became more aware of the high interest in using this area, they conducted a project validation study which verified there was a justifiable need to pursue a major renovation of the park for the community.

Major components of the renovation include both small and large picnic pavilions, an administrative building to house equipment for checkout plus provide items for resale, upgrade the existing softball field and construct an additional one, construct a multi-purpose sports field, install park lighting, install an irrigation system, construct a sand volleyball area, and completely landscape the area.

The other major park project, Biggs Park, was one of the top projects approved at the fiscal year '95 Army Major Construction Review Board meeting. Once the project receives all the appropriate reviews and final approval from Congressional staffers, concept design will be finalized and construction completed within approximately two years.