Outdoor recreation: enjoy the great outdoors this summer

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Mariah Haddenham
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  The 11th Force Support Squadron's Outdoor Recreation Center is gearing up for their busiest time of year and is ready to support Team Andrews member's summer plans and activities.

With approximately 3,000 pieces of equipment for checkout, outdoor recreation rents out all the supplies needed to make the most of the upcoming summer months.

"Airmen, especially dorm residents, have a limited space to store recreational equipment," said Shelley Smoot, 11th FSS recreation specialist. "Why not come rent a bike or kayak for that hot summer day, and not have to worry about where you are going to store it after?"

As long as the desired equipment is available, there is no limit to how many pieces of equipment an individual can check out and if the equipment is available it can be checked out the same day.

Renters are charged per day, per piece of equipment checked out and may check equipment out for multiple days.

Those looking to reserve equipment, such as tables and chairs, must come in prior to pay a holding fee to reserve the equipment in advance. The holding fee is 50 percent of the total rental fee, and if cancelled more than 72 hours in advance, members can be refunded their holding fee.

"We help Team Andrews take advantage of what the outdoors can offer them and do so with very reasonable prices," Smoot said. "Our prices are considerably lower then what is offered in the surrounding area. We also allow items to be checked out longer, so they are saving money and getting more use out of whatever they choose to check out."

Outdoor recreation also runs the base pool, archery range, and paintball field that may be reserved for groups of more than ten people.

Pool memberships are free for dorm residents and can collect their pool pass from outdoor recreation.

"These are services we hope that people hear about and participate in services because some don't realize just how many activities and events we can contribute to," said Nick Clisby, 11th FSS recreational aid.

Hours for checkout are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and every other Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Outdoor recreation services are available to active duty, National Guard, Air Force Reserve, retired military members, dependents and Department of Defense civilians.

For more information, call Outdoor Recreation at (301) 981-5663.