Innovation abound for ‘Lik’ outdoor recreation Published March 31, 2006 By Senior Airman Tim Beckham 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Work weeks can be long and demanding sometimes and everyone has their own way of unwinding. Some may find relaxation with a good book and warm bath while others may want to venture off base and experience the wonders of Turkey first hand. The 39th Services Squadron outdoor recreation office already provides many opportunities for the Incirlik community to see and do more, but now they plan to make on-base activities a top priority. “We have five new facilities and programs we are going to try to launch,” said Christopher Skully, 39th SVS community support flight chief. The first of which is an off-road go-cart track. “Our goal is to have the track available for both Turkish and American customers ages 12 and up,” said Mr. Skully. The go-cart track, which is scheduled to be completed sometime this summer, is the first of its kind in the Department of Defense. “The track will be located in the grassy area in the middle of the triangle,” said Mr. Skully. “The go-carts, which will be 150 cubic centimeter dune-buggy style off-road vehicles, will be two seaters and can be ridden in by anyone 75 pounds or heavier. The minimum age to operate the vehicles is proposed to be 12 years old and up.” Outdoor recreation also has a bouldering (rock climbing) wall project slated to be installed at Arkadas Park. “A bouldering wall is a horizontal traversing wall,” said Mr. Skully. “The wall will be about eight feet high and 30 to 40 feet long. It’s a low to no risk activity.” “The wall will have a variety of angled climbing panels with plastic holds and will have beginner, intermediate and expert routes,” said Chris Whitener, 39th SVS outdoor recreation director. A paintball field is also in Incirlik’s near future. “This spring time we will be opening an on-base paintball field for our loyal paintball customers,” said Mr. Skully. “The field will have about three acres of play area and will be equipped with foxholes, bunkers, large-cable spools and a fully demilitarized A-10.” The paintball field will be located in the open area behind the golf course and will be open to everyone on base. “We will be able to organize more frequent games, tournaments and even intramurals,” said Mr. Skully. “We have plenty of paintball equipment for people to use.” “We will be able to arrange for people to play during the week,” said Mr. Whitener. “It will augment our off base trips and we may even have squadron competitions.” The outdoor recreation office also has two more facilities in planning for Incirlik’s not so near future. “In early to mid 2007 we hope to open a four-station-batting cage,” said Mr. Skully. “The batting cages will be located next to the softball/baseball fields.” Outdoor recreation is even planning to open a facility for Incirlik’s four legged family members. “We are working on opening two bark parks,” said Mr. Skully. “There will be one near Falcon housing and one near Phantom housing. The dog parks will be completely fenced in and dogs that aren’t playing well together will be able to be separated and still have a place to play.” With so many new innovations coming up, its no wonder the 39th SVS outdoor recreation was named a five star facility by the Air Force Services Agency. “Part of outdoor rec’s mission is to build a healthy and fun program for its members to enjoy,” added Mr. Skully. “At an isolated assignment like Incirlik it’s important to provide a variety of activities so people have leisure time they can see and do as much as possible.”