Outdoor Recreation: Good times waiting to happen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Erik Hofmeyer
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Within minutes, a servicemember, civil service employee or military retiree can walk into the Homestead Air Reserve Base Outdoor Recreation Center, rent camping equipment, fishing poles, kayaks, a gas grill and cooler, and head south for a weekend exploring the Florida Keys.

These are just a few of the items available at the Outdoor Recreation Center, which serves as an affordable source for renting and buying equipment for outdoor activities and for arranging day trips and weekend getaways. The office also rents campers, sporting equipment, pressure washers, tables and chairs, and even trailers to haul the equipment, at discounted rates.

"We're significantly cheaper than any business around the base," said Mr. Derrick Sigler, 482nd Services Squadron recreation manager, who researches local prices of rental equipment to ensure the office maintains the lowest prices.

Additionally, the office does more than strictly supplying equipment. The staff and loads of free brochures help customers get the most out of their free time by providing information on where to go and what to do, while saving a buck or two in the process.

"Nine times out of 10, people are looking for something to do," Mr. Sigler said. For example, if somebody comes in looking for golf courses, I'll give them a comprehensive list of courses and tell them which courses offer military discounts."

The office also offers discounted single tickets for all major Miami sports franchises and theme parks around the state.

"Big football games sell out almost immediately," Mr. Sigler said. "We had two people come in at 6:30 a.m. on a unit training assembly Saturday waiting to get tickets to the Miami Dolphins game against the Dallas Cowboys."

The office even manages a 133-space storage parking lot for boats, vehicles or any type of recreational vehicle. The popularity of the lot has led to an additional 60-space temporary storage lot adjacent to the office, which charges a $25 monthly fee.

The Outdoor Recreation Office is open Monday through Friday and on primary UTA Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Building 164, and may be reached at (305) 224-7092.