Recreator's oasis.

In the midst of costly programs and fees lies an oasis of price stability in the field of recreation. Known as Henderson Hall Recreation Branch, this unit's mission is to provide quality of life recreational needs to the Marines, DOD civilians and family members stationed on base.

Under the leadership of MWR Director David Neely, Recreation Branch Director William "Bill" Connolly and Athletic Director Charles "Top" Rix, Headquarters Battalion Marines stationed here are provided the best possible equipment, the most desired programs and an avenue for pursuing their recreational needs and desires.

Funding, always a concern, is provided by profits generated through the efforts of the customer-centered Marine Corps Exchange under the capable direction of Director of Retail Penny Stell. Located adjacent to Arlington Cemetery, Henderson Hall is ideally located for sojourns into Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland. Driving a few hours from Henderson Hall places you in Pennsylvania, New York or New Jersey - all Meccas of recreational activity and cultural enterprise.

On base, the Recreation Gear Issue program (a tiny enterprise as Gear Lockers go) offers the staples of recreational equipment and services - and does it for FREE! The repertoire of programs offered boasts both varsity and intramural sports, swimming facilities, camping and canoeing gear, golf, softball, volleyball, football, roller blades, and basketball equipment.

Base facilities include: a swimming pool with attached pavilion for pool parties; a tennis court that doubles as an outdoor basketball court and the Smith Gymnasium, managed by John Dupont. For those committed to the philosophy of "the body beautiful," the gym offers circuit weight training, weight lifting equipment, an includes door basketball court, a sauna, various cardio-vascular equipment. Unique programming indoor includes one of the latest crazes, boxing aerobics, and future plans include a rock climbing wall.

A horseshoe sandpit has been staked out and funding has been allocated for the construction of new indoor racquetball courts and office/warehouse spaces for the consolidation of the Recreation Gear Locker adjacent to the Smith Gym Annex.

Individualized Fitness Asessment

Ron Hebb, the personal fitness trainer, performs an individualized fitness assessment which measures the resting heart rate, body circumference, blood pressure, and height and weight. He also performs a body composition analysis, a cardio-vascular respiratory endurance test, a flexibility test, and muscular strength and endurance tests. For interested patrons, he will design customized, individual cardiovascular, strength and flexibility programs. Have a few pounds to lose? Analysis of your current diet plus the formulation of up to 100 meal plans could be the answer and is available at the Gym Annex. Headquarters Battalion Marines can purchase movie, theater, concert, special events, and tour tickets at subsidized prices at the Information, Tickets and Tours (ITT) office. Cynthia Kirby, ITT Coordinator, constantly seeks information on area events, and composes tours to exciting, fun-filled locations. Her focus is on providing the best possible program at minimal cost to the Marines.

A Single Marine program was initiated at Henderson Hall this past spring with Cheryl Williams at the helm and is already making in-roads in the area of quality of life issues. More and more Headquarters Battalion Marines are becoming involved in recreational activities. The Single Marine Program is proving to be a forum for their direct input into the type, frequency, cost, and relevance of programs and tours.

Accepting the Challenge

Limited only by physical space, imagination and hours in the day, the Recreation Branch readily accepts the challenge presented by the coming century. Branch staff plan to keep abreast of new technological breakthroughs and advances in program management by completing the latest training available, and actively soliciting information from the Marines that are currently utilizing lizing their programs.

A burning desire to serve, open and imaginative minds, and a vision for the future direction of Henderson Hall recreation programs will provide the impetus for continued excellence into the 21st century.