NAS Lemoore: fun is alive and well.

Fun is alive and well aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, CA. The MWR Department recently opened a new waterslide and fun center facility using both new and old ideas and facilities to fulfill its mission of morale building activities and healthful fun.

It began in early February, when John Earles, MWR director at Naval Air Station Lemoore, and several members of his management team were brainstorming about the upcoming summer program and discussing new ideas and concerns for the new waterslide that was just purchased and under construction at the "all hands" pool. The result was the beginning of a intense three-month project to plan and open a family fun center before the start of the swim season.

The targeted date for opening was May 28, 1994, with a major grand opening celebration and outdoor event.

A project team was chosen by the MWR director and included the community activities division director, recreation division director, and clubs division director and maintenance manager. Their mission was to "pool" their talents and ideas and start the planning process.

The project site is located within the base's enlisted club, "Squigglee's Nightclub and Cafe." The area is bordered by the department's mini golf range/golf driving range and "Tailgates," the department's sports recreation center.

The idea was to tie all the programs together and make a "Fun Center" targeted to all personnel from base kids to active duty military personnel.

Starting with the cafe, MWR knew the new program would need a snack bar to serve the poolside customers, so a walk-through was created between the pool area and Squigglee's Rock and Roll Cafe. In this walk-through area a 40-game, high energy video arcade was created to generate excitement for the kids and young sailors and income for the MWR Department. Also developed in the walk-through was a resale outlet stocked with all kinds of poolside merchandise such as sun tan products, straw hats, children's pool toys, MWR logo squeeze bottles, and the biggest seller, "Hawaiian Showcones." There also is a party room for special activities and children's birthday parties.

A new redwood deck was constructed, leading from the walk-through resale area to the pool.

Upgrades in Order

In the pool area the double 360-degree waterslide towered above the pool, and a new sand volleyball area was located just east of the 60-foot structure. With all the new construction going on an upgrade of the existing mini golf and driving range was also in order. New outdoor "turf" carpet was installed, and painting and updating of all the mini golf obstacles was accomplished by the MWR department's ace maintenance crew.

Tailgate's was opened a year before and converted a dull underused club into a colorful and fun active duty recreation center featuring billiards, video games, music, and a snack bar. TVs are located throughout the facility, and we have a big screen viewing room with sports memeorabilia on every wall. The facility proved to be a great success.

Outside Tailgate's the facility continues with a swimming pool, sandlot volleyball, basketball courts, and lawn area. A soon-to-be-completed shaded spa will be located near the outdoor billiards tables and will round out the center's patio area. Programming of billiards and sports related tournaments and special activities are provided daily for customer enjoyment.

Tying the facilities together into a complex provided "something for everyone" and gave customers the flexibility to enjoy all the programs offered through cross facility usage within a central complex.

Before opening day, planning and promotion of the grand opening event was fully underway. Colorful flyers were sent to every housing resident, posters and flyers were displayed in barracks and work centers on base, and the base paper announced the event to everyone.

Music, hot dogs, and food specials, free swimming and mini golf, children and adult games, and free squeeze bottles were offered as part of the celebratory activities.

Fun in the Sun

The grand opening was held as scheduled on May 28 and drew the command's largest opening day turnout ever. Patrons of all ages helped kick off the swim season with a slide down the new waterslide, and they enjoyed mini golf, video games, and fun in the sun.

The fun center project was 85% funded by the MWR recycling program, along with a lot of help from the base CBU Construction Battalion, as well as a supportive command.

The fun center project will continue to expand with installed batting cages, a go-kart track, and a bankshot basketball park planned for the near future.

Income from sales generated by the new complex this season has been outstanding and continues to grow. Both MWR and patrons look forward to further programs and facilities.

For more information concerning the project contact Mr. John Earles, MWR Director at [phone] or Ron Stanphill at [phone] or write to Community Activities Division, Bldg 950, Naval Air Station, Lemoore, CA 93246-5001.