GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- It's been more than five months since the newly built Outdoor Recreation Complex opened to the community.
Since that time the complex has earned the moniker Wild B.O.A.R. -- an acronym for Bavaria Outdoor Adventure & Recreation.
And the name is appropriate.
Located near Dickhaeuter Lake on the Grafenwoehr Training Area just a few minutes from Gate 9 (near the Tower Barracks Shoppette), the 16,000 square-foot complex is a one-stop shop and recreation destination for members of the Bavaria Military Community, offering a range of "wild" adventures, both on and off the property.
Inside the airy building, a welcome desk greets customers who wish to rent gear and inquire about various excursions, including skiing, hiking, mountain biking and kayaking, to name just a few.
A separate building houses a high-quality indoor climbing hall, which beckons climbers to navigate multiple routes. Each wall contains various levels of difficulty.
Belay certification classes are held every Monday and the hall stays open late a few nights a week to accommodate the fluctuating schedule of community members.
Outside, adrenaline junkies negotiate more than 1,000 feet of obscure obstacles while dangling 40 to 80 feet above the ground at the high ropes course.
"The complex provides a new standard of quality outdoor activity opportunities," said Wolfgang Schultes, Outdoor Recreation director for USAG Bavaria's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
Providing a source of entertainment and recreation for families within the community is a top priority for Family and MWR, said Schultes, and Wild B.O.A.R. continues to concentrate its efforts to support the needs of Soldiers as well.
Recreation programs have emerged as an integral part of the Soldier resiliency and are used as teambuilding and training exercises.
The high ropes and paintball courses within the complex are currently being used by redeploying Soldiers as part of the Warrior Adventure Quest program - a program that tests the limits and abilities of Soldiers as an alternate form of reintegration.
While the garrison has implemented the WAQ program for the past four years, this is the first iteration to be fully conducted on-site.
"The adventure activities on-site enhance the experience," said Schultes.
As the summer approaches, community members can take advantage of the full range of rental cabins and campgrounds, which are fully equipped for a weekend getaway.
A boat dock is accessible nearby for water sports and the vast green space allows for picnics and a peaceful place to enjoy nature. A nature trail surrounds the area, allowing visitors to get lost in the plush surroundings.
While the complex is still finding its legs and implementing new test programs, such as "Ladies Only" climb in the climbing hall the first and third Thursday of the month, Schultes said it has been a great learning experience for his staff to fully understand the recreational needs of the community.
"We are still exploring and trying to learn all about this new complex," he said. "We must grow into it."
Wild B.O.A.R. Outdoor Recreation Complex is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; closed Wednesdays and federal holidays.
For a complete list of trips and events, visit www.grafenwoehr.armymwr.com.
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