35 CES builds new track and field for Misawa

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachary Kee
  • 35 FW/PA
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 35th Civil Engineer Squadron started renovations on the outdoor running track and field located near Edgren High School March 16 on Misawa Air Base.

The renovation is scheduled to be finished October 2012 and will consist of upgrades that expand the running track, making room for a multi-purpose football and soccer field with artificial turf, said 1st Lt. Daniel Ledeboer, 35 CES Construction Management chief.

"The construction of the new field will be very beneficial to the Misawa community," said Ledeboer.

Misawa Air Base has many activities and intramural teams for people to be a part of, and the new field will give them a great location for that, added Ledeboer.

"It's a great idea to have a larger track and a new field, so that people can go and do activities or run during the warmer months," said Airman 1st Class Barry Hubbard, 35th Force Support Squadron fitness specialist. "I expect more people will use the track after it has been renovated."

The track will give runners the option to run outside instead of using a treadmill at the gym. This is the only outdoor circular track on Misawa Air Base that everyone can access.

"In the summer, people will go to the track, because they do not necessarily like running on a treadmill," said Hubbard. "The new track will give them the option to run outside when the weather is nice and get some fresh air when they are running."

Once completed, servicemembers will be able to resume physical training tests and their normal exercise routine while using the track, said Ledeboer. Until then, they will have to find an alternate location to complete the running portion.

"As it stands right now we only have the Weasel's Den and the Fireman's Run to evaluate the 1.5 mile run," said Hubbard.

The Fireman's Run is on the north side of base, and is a straight forward run for 3/4 of a mile and then back in the opposite direction that completes the 1.5 mile run.

Everyone at Misawa Air Base will have an opportunity to benefit from the track and field renovations, whether they're part of an intramural team or just out for a run.