New community center opens on JBER-Richardson

  • Published
  • By Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Barnett
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  The new Richardson Community Center opened for the JBER community Monday on the JBER-Richardson side of the installation.

"We saw at least 300 folks at the opening ceremony," said Rachel Hodgson, general manager for Aurora Military Housing. "It was hosted by Air Force Col. Brian Duffy, (673d Air Base Wing and JBER commander), and Army Maj. Gen. Michael Garrett, (U.S. Army Alaska commander), and others. We had a very good showing of command."

Housed in Building 338, labeled 'Aurora Military Housing', the facility includes a housing office, a U-Fix-It, a conference room, dining and leisure area, kitchen, and playground complete with a climbing wall.

"We have complimentary access to JBER residents," said Rachel Hodgson, director of the community center. "We have a full-fledged kitchen and dining area as well as a kids' play area, including a rock climbing wall, and conference room. We have microphones, a podium, cable TV and seating for up to 200 people."

There are four privatized housing community centers, she said.

In 2013, the amount of usage will determine if more housing community centers are needed, she said.

"Today the three prior centers, located in Dallas, Moose Crossing and Silver Run subdivisions have been booked 51 percent of the year," she said. "If that continues with this one, we could be looking at more facilities in the future."

At the center, the Aurora Housing Team is hosting a Halloween event Oct. 31 from 2 to 6 p.m., and open for reservation by residents thereafter. A Christmas holiday event is planned for Monday, Dec. 24, also from 2 to 6 p.m.

Both events will include free food, games and prizes open to the JBER community. The greater JBER area is invited to the main events, but the reservations are specific to base residents, Hodgson said.

"We expect to see approximately 17 reservations per month, minimum," she said. "We would serve over 320 people per month, at least. Some events may have 50 to 100 people. Just short of 4,000 folks are expected to use the center."

To reserve a center, call 375-5515.