Key Takeaways
- The Food, Beverage and Entertainment Center (FBEC) is expected to be completed early this year, offering a bingo hall, snack bar, and full kitchen.
- The FBEC will feature seating for 328 patrons and will be located near the Commissary.
- A dog park is also being constructed and is expected to open this month or in February, featuring two open fields, waste disposal stations, and covered picnic tables.
- The dog park will be free to use for authorized MWR patrons and will be open from sunrise to sunset.
- The FBEC and dog park are part of the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Directorate’s efforts to enhance the quality of life for Redstone personnel and their families.
Introduction to the Food, Beverage and Entertainment Center
The construction of the Food, Beverage and Entertainment Center (FBEC) is nearing completion, with a tentative date for testing and commissioning set for mid- to late-January. The nearly 11,000-square-foot building will be located north of the Commissary and will feature a bingo hall, snack bar, and full kitchen. The bingo hall will have seating for 328 patrons, arranged at four-person tables in a banquet-style setup. Gary Haught, chief of MWR’s Business Operations Division, stated that the goal is to install furniture for Challenger Bingo in late January, followed by the installation of bingo equipment by Video King in mid-February.
Features and Amenities of the FBEC
The FBEC is expected to be a major enhancement to the quality of life for Redstone personnel and their families. The snack bar will offer a variety of food and drink options, which were selected based on feedback from Challenger Bingo patrons who received surveys late last year. The menu is expected to include options that will appeal to patrons of the nearby housing and campground, with the possibility of to-go orders. The FBEC will also feature a full kitchen, which will provide additional culinary options for patrons. With its state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, the FBEC is expected to become a popular destination for entertainment and socialization on Redstone.
The Dog Park Project
In addition to the FBEC, the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Directorate is also working on a dog park project, which is expected to open this month or in February. The dog park will be located off Vincent Drive and will feature two open fields, one for large dogs and one for small dogs. The park will also include waste disposal stations, covered picnic tables, and running water. Jacob Miller, chief of MWR’s community recreation division, stated that the dog park will be free to use for authorized MWR patrons and will be open from sunrise to sunset. Dogs must be current on their vaccinations to use the park. A sign with rules and restrictions will be posted to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all users.
Background and Significance of the Projects
The FBEC and dog park are part of the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Directorate’s efforts to enhance the quality of life for Redstone personnel and their families. The FBEC is MWR’s first major nonappropriated fund construction project on Redstone since Redstone Lanes in 2005. At the groundbreaking ceremony in 2024, former Garrison Commander Col. Brian Cozine emphasized the importance of the project in providing a much-needed entertainment and recreation facility for the Redstone community. The dog park, on the other hand, will provide a safe and convenient space for dog owners to exercise and socialize their pets. Both projects demonstrate the Directorate’s commitment to supporting the well-being and morale of Redstone personnel and their families.
Conclusion and Future Plans
In conclusion, the Food, Beverage and Entertainment Center and dog park are two exciting projects that are expected to enhance the quality of life for Redstone personnel and their families. With their state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, these projects will provide a much-needed boost to the Redstone community. The Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Directorate is committed to continuing to support the well-being and morale of Redstone personnel and their families, and these projects are just the beginning. As the FBEC and dog park near completion, the Directorate will continue to work on new projects and initiatives to enhance the quality of life for the Redstone community. With their focus on recreation, entertainment, and community building, these projects are expected to have a lasting impact on the Redstone community.
