Red Raider Community Center opens in base housing

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. David Bernal Del Agua
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The Red Raider Community Center opened Aug. 24 at McConnell AFB’s military housing.

Construction costs for the new center reached nearly $4 million. It is part of a larger construction project started in January 2015 to renovate most of McConnell’s 381 base homes.

“The Red Raiders Community Center was built with the needs of the Air Force family in mind,” said Robert Couch, Corvias operations director. “I see our families using it as a place where they can spend quality time together in a safe and relaxing environment.”

The 8000-square-foot community center includes a gym, multi-purpose room, fitness room, club area and a pool.

“There’s a great partnership between McConnell and Corvias,” said Couch. “This community center will help bring the community together and it will enhance the lives of the families living on base.”

The multi-purpose room will be free for residents to reserve and can be used from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. There will be a reservation process through the Center. The gym and fitness room will be available seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Residents will have a key fob to access the Center after hours.

“We are excited to have a place for our families living on base to come together and enjoy each other’s company,” said Barb Olson, Key Spouse mentor. “The community center looks great, and we’re excited to begin using it.”

The community center was named in honor of the 22nd Bombardment Group which went by the informal name of the “Red Raiders” during the 20th century. The name represents the historic deterrence role McConnell played during the Cold War.