Scott spends award money for fitness, park areas Published Aug. 12, 2015 By Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Earlier this year, leadership in the 375th Air Mobility Wing asked for suggestions on how to spend $100,000 from an award it received and the vote by overwhelming majority called for improving fitness and animal/park areas on base. When Scott AFB was selected as the Air Mobility Command runner-up for the Commander-in-Chief's Installation Excellence Award nomination, it received a monetary award targeted toward quality-of-life improvements. More than 130 different types of suggestions were submitted and organized into main categories. At the top of the list were ideas to support fitness, to expand play areas for pets, and to make improvements for outdoor recreation on base such as the base lake area. Taking into consideration ideas that would benefit the base and its families as a whole, suggestions were reduced to a short list of viable options. These were picked because they could be accomplished within the specified amount and fit all other financial and legal constraints. Ultimately, the items were finalized and some have already been awarded. For instance, there were several suggestions for a dog park, which was already underway but not widely publicized. The base's new dog park, located near the softball fields, officially opened April 24 and was previously funded and portions of it installed. The wing allotted some funds toward finishing that area with the installation of agility equipment. To answer the call for improved outdoor PT options, a 30 x 100 foot fitness pavilion is being built next to the James Sports Center running track. The pavilion will have a rubberized floor suitable for exercises, will be powered for fans, and will contain pull up bars and toe-bars for sit-ups. Health and fitness Fitness is essential part of military life, and the base has previously worked to acquire new workout equipment, build a cross fit room, and create a kid-friendly workout area for parents. Scott also updated the racquetball courts to accommodate wallyball, and upgraded the gym ventilation system and the grounds at the James Gym track. There's also a "fitness on demand" touch screen system for individualized or group workouts available. The fitness centers are constantly programming and purchasing new equipment as funds become available, according to Gailyn Gonzalez, 375th FSS fitness director. The outdoor pool located behind the Fitness Center received new umbrellas and access to the pool was free this season. There are plans, as funds become available, to update the lounge chairs and the inside of the pool shack/dressing room areas. The Scott chapel recently created a meditation room which is open for use and requires no registration, and is open for use anytime. For more information contact the Chapel at 256-3303. Outdoors There were several suggestions to update the family camp and outdoor recreation areas. However, many of those improvements require a different budget source. Nonetheless, the base has made improvements at the family camp based on feedback, such as repaving the road, and when feasible there are plans to improve the bathrooms and shower areas as well. This is one area where volunteers could assist because the staff of the 375th Outdoor Recreation department cannot maintain the Scott Lake on its own. They are looking for volunteers to help improve the area and take on projects such as repairing bridges and building new picnic tables. Any private organizations or scout units wishing to assist should speak with the outdoor rec staff. There have been several requests to improve the parking situation on base. There are several projects underway to either improve roadways, parking lots or provide additional parking to include portions of Ward Drive behind building 1900, Watnee Street, and parking near Hangar Road. In addition the driveway and parking at Bldg. 450 and Chapman Dr. will also be repaired. "Our entire team is working to lift up our Wing, installation, and community to ensure we maintain Showcase standards! Of note, there are several suggestions not necessarily named in this article that we are continuing to work to include facility and grounds improvements for our Airmen living in the dorms. There are several other initiatives that we are working based on our Airmen's suggestions, and we encourage everyone to please keep the great ideas flowing!" said Col. Laura Lenderman, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander. To provide feedback to the commander on base improvements, feel free to submit suggestions through the Action Line (375amw-action.line@us.af.mil) or to the Commander's Action Group (375amw.cag@us.af.mil).