1st SOFSS celebrates park reopening after renovations

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dennis Spain
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  A reopening celebration was held at the Lil’ Commando Community Park, here, March 17, after renovations.

Members of the 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron reopened the park with a ribbon- cutting ceremony, a ticket raffle, a rock-climbing wall, Segway rides and a bounce house for family fun.

"We thought, ‘Let's bring the park up to today's standards and make it something kids would want to see and keep coming back to’," said Maj. Jama Stilwell, an operations officer with the 1st SOFSS. "We took ownership and knew the Airmen and families deserve a better park facility. We sat down, put pen to paper and here we are."

Plans came to fruition as reports of the park being in disrepair were made by Hurlburt’s Air Commandos, Stilwell said. Those reports inspired the 1st SOFSS to take action.

Renovations to the park included construction of a brand-new splash pad, replacement of playground equipment, and installation of new park benches, picnic tables and flooring. A nature-walk path was also introduced at the celebration as children ran around and explored their new playground.

"With both of my children being school-age, they have a love for parks," said Master Sgt. Tracy Bennett, 1st Sgt. with the 1st Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron. "My children thoroughly enjoy the new park, which in turn makes me happy knowing they have a place to come and have fun."

Along with the current park, the 1st SOFSS plans on making expansions to the park by building a Lil' Commando 'battle rig', a structure designed to be an obstacle course, much like the obstacle course used in the TV show American Ninja Warrior. They also plan to add awnings over the playground equipment.

There are no age restrictions for children to use the park.

For more information about the park, call Outdoor Recreation at (850) 884-6939.