On behalf of the staff of Fort Polk's Family and MWR Command (FMWRC), we welcome you to your new home. We publish a quarterly magazine and host this website to let our new neighbors know they are valued additions to the community -- and to let them know there are plenty of fun things to do, both on- and off-post. We serve Soldiers and their Families of all ages on active duty and into retirement, as well as our civilians, and we're always on the move.
This issue finds us supporting the exciting 162nd Infantry Training Brigade mission at North Fort Polk with new recreational facilities for fitness and leisure. We've just been able to open two beautiful new Child Development Centers to help support our hard working Families. Our original Child Development Center (CDC) was among the first in the US Army to be nationally certified, and since then our programs have grown stronger each year. Older youth, including teens, travel all around the region with Child, Youth & School Services, and students have sports opportunities of every kind. A Boundless Playground is opening this summer, and we just started "Jump In" Saturdays with inflatables indoors at CDC 701.
People are flocking to our Toledo Bend Recreation Site, which has nine new cabins, as well as on-site long-term boat storage. Rent a boat from our fleet and explore the 186,000 acre lake. The boat docks are currently being renovated, and with so much camping and boating equipment to rent, we've got everything for a wonderful weekend get-away. Toledo Bend Beach is also set to get a giant, inflatable jumping pillow for kids and adults alike. The facility also offers fishing tournaments, competitions, and wonderful Family activities all throughout the year.
Maybe you'd prefer to take your show on the road--our travel trailers are a great way to spend a weekend. These campers can be found, along with a wide selection of boats, giant inflatables, canopies, tents, grills and more at the F & MWR Rental Center on Louisiana Ave. (behind the Burger KingŪ). F & MWR also offers two terrific eateries in relaxing atmospheres: Mulligan's and the Strike Zone. The Strike Zone has been a Family favorite for years, but is up for a facelift with new audio / visual equipment and a fresh design--to include a new Cosmic Bowling. The Spare Time Lounge sits beside the Strike Zone, and offers users Wi-Fi, Wii, and trivia as well as old favorites like pool and darts. The Spare Time Lounge is the home for Dominoes and Texas Hold'em tournaments, as well as free UFC fights on multiple screens. Low prices, great quality and friendly service -- that's your FMWRC at Fort Polk.
Fort Polk also offers a full recreation program. For people of all ages, there are arts and crafts, live theater, shooting and archery, a brand new paintball course, an auto skills shop, a soon-to-be renovated car wash, fishing, fitness and sports, special events and attractions, and access to the so many cultural activities that contribute to the unique character of the state of Louisiana.
Army DFMWR wants you to know that we believe "Soldiers, Families, retirees, and civilians are entitled to the same quality of life as those they are pledged to defend." It's not a slogan -- it's a commitment.
Welcome to the neighborhood, and see you July 3rd at the FreedomFest beginning at 5 p.m. Don't miss it.
Keeping the promise of the Army Family Covenant,
Service First!
Loretta L. Nale, Director
