Weasels' Den to reopen

  • Published
  • By Isaac Rodd
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs intern
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  After six months undergoing a large-scale renovation project, Misawa's largest recreational facility, The Weasels' Den, will officially reopen Dec. 4.

Arron Oglesby, Hangar 973 facility manager. The indoor heat will make a big difference to service members who have their physical training test in the winter, he added.

The elevated indoor track is 200 meters long and coated in a non-slip vinyl surface. The track is solely for runners and walkers; strollers and bikes are not permitted. During testing, only testers and pacers will be allowed. The track will open Dec. 1, three days prior to the rest of the facility.

Those returning to the Weasels' Den will notice other changes to the facility, including an upgrade on the soccer arena. The arena's new surrounding wall is about three feet tall with netting extending towards the ceiling. Also, soccer goal posts are now built into the ground, and the new astro-turf has all the lines for a regulation soccer field.

To make room for these new improvements, some items needed to be relocated. One playground and the movie theatre were removed while the pool tables, ping-pong tables, and foosball tables were donated to the Wakasa Teen Center and Lunney Youth Center.

All other services in the facility will continue including mini-golf, batting cages, Outdoor Recreation Center, playgrounds, rock-climbing wall, and the birthday party areas.

"It's an ongoing transition." said Mr. Oglesby. "These improvements are a great asset to the Misawa community. We look to offer bigger, better improvements in the future."