FORT GORDON, Ga. (June 5, 2015) - Fort Gordon has been no stranger to construction and renovation projects over the last couple of years, and the installation is adding yet another to its list. Alternate Escapes Recreation Center will undergo a major renovation in coming weeks.
The center will receive new wood and stone floors, new carpeting, and new furniture throughout. All contracts for the work to be done are in place, and funding has been approved. Sylvia Hodge, business manager for Java Business Operations Division, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, is finalizing plans. Unable to give an exact construction start date, Hodge anticipates it will be soon, and that once it does happen, the community will be pleased with its results.
"It's going to be really nice," Hodge said. "I can't wait."
Work on the center will occur in sections and after normal business hours to avoid having to close the center.
Alternate Escapes features a 90-inch screen TV for viewing movies, several television viewing areas, free wireless Internet access, a ping pong table, and five pool tables spread out across the center. There is also a Game Link Lounge for those into virtual reality games.
Java Escape serves breakfast and lunch fare with a knack for catering to Soldiers in Advanced Individual Training. From classic comfort food for those needing a taste of home to soft eats for troops coming from dental appointments, Hodge keeps the center's main customers at the front of her mind in everything she does. And while the center is open to everyone, trainees in particular have a comfortable place to lounge and feel a taste of home despite being hundreds of miles away from home.
"We try to make it everything we can to help them feel at home," Hodge said. "We try to help them get over whatever it is they're going through."
Alternate Escapes is open seven days a week with the exception of Christmas. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. There is a live DJ and karaoke every Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hodge emphasized that everyone, including children with adult supervision, is welcome.
Alternate Escapes is hosting an outdoor cookout from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., June 14, at 28th Street and B Street. There will be entertainment including a DJ, face painting, volleyball, performances by Tara Scheyer for the kids, prize giveaways, and more. Food will be available to purchase for a nominal fee. The entire community is invited. For more information or to volunteer at the event, call (706) 791-0785.
"We just want people to know that they have somewhere to go and something to do in a safe, cool environment out of the summer heat," Hodge said.
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