Fort Leonard Wood directorates team up to clean Happy Hollow

By Mr. Rodney Harper (Leonard Wood)August 11, 2016

Fort Leonard Wood directorates team up to clean Happy Hollow
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The directorates of Public Works; Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security; and Family and Morale Welfare Recreation, joined in a collaborative effort to clean up Happy Hollow Friday.

"It allows us to get out of the office and also to be able to accomplish work tasks while having a lot of fun," said Col. Tracy Lanier, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood commander.

The team of more than 50 people from the three organizations assembled together at 7 a.m. and worked all morning.

"The purpose of the clean up was for park beautification, Family attraction and a safer place for the Fort Leonard Wood community," said Wayne Bardell, FMWR director. "For example, the restrooms were steam cleaned; a lot of brush was cut, and many tree limbs were taken down."

Bardell said a lot of tree limbs had fallen into the river because of heavy rainfall, which impacts boating.

"A lot of people like coming out to camp and to kayak," he said.

A flood, which hit the post in August of last year, caused many roads around Fort Leonard Wood to close and did excessive damage at Happy Hollow.

Organizers agreed the park was in need of a little TLC.

"The park was in pretty rough shape since the last flood," said Terry Moore, Range Maintenance supervisor with DPTMS.

Bobcats and dump trucks were used for the clean up, as well as chainsaws, lawnmowers and weed trimmers.

Participants picked up at least four truckloads of tree limbs and trash.

Fort Leonard Wood community members can expect to see more collaborative efforts between directorates for future cleanups.

"We do a lot of clean up efforts together, and this one will not be the last," Bardell said.

Related Links:

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood Facebook

Fort Leonard Wood GUIDON Newspaper

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood