Fort Stewart's Corkan Family Recreation Center offers fun for all

By Leigh Dorr, Special to The FrontlineApril 15, 2010

Stewart's Corkan Center
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT STEWART, Ga. - Since its opening in 2005, the Corkan Family Recreation Center at Fort Stewart has grown into a $17 million complex, jammed-packed with entertainment and educational opportunities for both the young and young at heart.

"The leadership here at Fort Stewart knows that to take care of Soldiers, you must take care of Families," said Corkan Family Recreation Center Manager, Roni Stevens. "When Families are not driving to Savannah and are staying here on post, there is less worry for their Soldiers."

Cypress Sam's Treehouse provides a cool, colorful and inviting area for children ages 12 and younger to play. It offers a multi-leveled climb structure, slides and ball-blasters.

The Corkan Family Fun Center provides high-energy activities such as laser tag, indoor rock climbing, and indoor roller skating. This facility is also home to a concession area, video games and a party room.

Cypress Creek Adventure Golf is an 18-hole miniature golf course located beside Cypress Sam's Treehouse that is open year-round.

"On May 30, we'll have the Corkan Mini 500 Speedway," said Stevens. "People can bring their remote control cars and race them against others on the miniature golf course."

The Corkan Teen Recreation Center, for teens 13-18, houses a cafAfA with pool tables, air hockey, basketball, music, media room, Wii and Xbox.

"We have a wide assortment of programs, like Wii tournaments, designed for teens," said Stevens.

During the summer months, children ages 0-12 will be able to beat the Georgia heat at The Springs at Cypress Creek. This eleven-feature water park is open May 21 - Sept. 30 and is an option for those who can't get to the beach and want to avoid crowds at the pool.

The newly-renovated Stewart Lanes Bowling Center is located across the street from Cypress Sam's Treehouse and the Corkan Family Fun Center. It offers 12 lanes of bowling, the Corner Grill, and a video arcade.

"We love the bowling alley and facilities - especially the food," said Anita Scott, Family Member. "It's wonderful for Family entertainment, and the prices are wonderful compared to off-post."

Soon, a new area will expand the Corkan complex, when the Corkan Plaza opens later this year.

"If you want some place to sit and relax, the Corkan Plaza will be opening soon," said Stevens. "It is designed to remind you of a Savannah Square with park benches, fountains, and trees."

Instructional classes are also offered at the Corkan Family Recreation Center.

"We teach roller skating classes, climbing classes, and bowling classes for all ages -even toddler bowling," said Stevens. "Since March, we've taught bowling to 412 toddlers. They learn the etiquette of bowling - working on those fundamental building blocks like staying in the pit and waiting your turn.

Many of the classes are free, said Stevens. Contact Corkan for dates and prices. The Corkan Family Recreation Center is located across from the Fort Stewart PX on the corner of Hero Road and Lindquist Avenue. For more information on the facilities within the Corkan Family Recreation Center, visit www.stewartmwr.com and click on Fort Stewart then on MWR Monthly Calendar.

"We're just here to help," said Stevens.