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Grand reopening: AAFB swimming pool

  • Published
  • By Airman Whitney Tucker
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
Sunlight glinted off the concrete beneath endless yards of crystal clear water as the first lucky patrons cannon-balled into the base swimming pool here Nov. 20.

The newly remodeled pool, which is open from noon to 6 p.m. every day but Thursday, is open for business for the first time in more than a year and Team Andersen members came out in bulk to show their elation and support over the weekend.

"On Saturday we had a great turn-out," said Ray Stiers, 36th Force Support Squadron outdoor recreation manager. "Thirty-five families, 40 Andersen Airmen and dozens of deployed Airmen came out and took advantage of the new facilities."

While the extensive renovation prolonged the closure of the swimming pool, the improvements help to ensure safety and promote quality of life.

"The pool was refurbished to accomplish two primary objectives," said Lt. Col. Brian Hinsvark, 36th FSS commander, "to update the infrastructure and enhance safety and reliability. We added picnic and relaxation areas with barbecue pits and umbrellas for shade, thereby offering a combined pool and party capability for birthdays, unit functions and other celebrations. These areas can be reserved, or used on a first-come, first- serve basis if not already reserved. Also, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of furniture purchased last year."

In addition to providing a family-friendly environment, substantial safety and health issues were addressed.

"We overhauled the entire mechanical system to include piping, controls, valves and pumps," Colonel Hinsvark said. "A state-of-the-art water and chlorination system now protects our swimmers. Additionally, a complete lighting upgrade ensures safe day and night swimming. We renovated the entire decking surface with a cool surface walking material, and completely gutted the pool house for a beautiful and more customer friendly area."

To coincide with added safety measures provided by the pool renovation, Team Andersen patrons can look forward to a revamped lifeguard and child safety program.

"All lifeguards take the American Red Cross lifeguarding course currently taught at the Department of Parks and Recreation in Agana," said Stiers. "Also, the lifeguard stands, which did not allow guards to see around the edges of the pool, have been replaced. Now lifeguards can see into the blind spots to ensure 100 percent safety."

Andersen Air Force Base is a prime location for year-round poolside entertainment. Residents now have the ability to lounge in the sun, barbeque with friends or simply get a good workout by taking advantage of this Andersen asset.

"The base pool provides an outlet for Team Andersen members," Stiers said. "It is a great way to wind down after a long day at work and catch up on time with family. After a long hiatus, we are more than happy to provide this resource to our servicemembers and their families."