Fort Lewis families get new, improved recreation facilities

FORT LEWIS, Wash. – Fort Lewis re-opened the newly-renovated Memorial Stadium and broke ground on a “splash park” and children’s playground on Wednesday. The projects reflect the installation’s continued commitment to improving quality of life for Army Families and by providing kid-friendly recreation venues.

Construction of the “splash park” and playground, located next to the Summit Skate Arena, began with a ground-breaking ceremony, at 1 p.m.
The splash park will feature a children’s play area with toys and fountains where families can enjoy warm weather and keep cool at the same time. The playground will be for children 12-and-under, and includes equipment for children with disabilities. The Summit Skate Arena will also receive upgrades like new flooring, and will later be renamed the Child and Youth Event Center.

Memorial Stadium reopened after a $2.9 million renovation with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, at 1:30 p.m. The facility was built shortly after World War II, for use as a baseball stadium. Use of the ballpark declined in recent years, as other recreation facilities were built on post. The $2.9 million renovation can support a wide-range of activities- from small gatherings to large events and concerts. It features open space, stadium seating for 2,000, a walking path, two gazebos and a picnic pavilion. Other improvements include new sod, fencing, lighting, additional landscaping, and an underground irrigation system.