Fort Rucker is proud of having a very complete Morale, Welfare and Recreation Program. There are a variety of exciting leisure activities available to active duty military members, their family members, in addition to DOD civilians working on base. Everyone is encouraged to be part of the fun and adventure by participating in organized sporting events, aquatics, outdoor recreation, entertainment, crafts and many other high energy and enriching programs.
PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAMS/ACTIVITES
Welcome to the Fort Rucker and Fortenberry-Colton Physical Fitness Centers. The Sports Branch provides programs in physical fitness, intramural sports, varsity/post level sports, aquatics, and support for health promotion events and activities. The facility features basketball and volleyball courts, racquetball and squash courts, health and fitness center, a 25 meter indoor swimming pool, and men's and women's locker rooms, equipped with showers, sauna, and steam areas. The Sports Branch is supported with a variety of outdoor facilities to include six softball fields, a football field, 1/4 mile track complex, a soccer/rugby field, three running trails, 10 tennis courts, and a 50 meter outdoor swimming pool.
The physical fitness center supports the needs of patrons with a variety of programs and activities. The Aerobics program features Hi'Lo Impact aerobics, Step aerobics, TKO kick boxing aerobics, Adult Self Defense and Yoga programs are offered. All are conducted at the Physical Fitness Center Annex, building 4501. The Run For Your Life Program provides certificates and patches to recognize the accomplishments of runners and joggers. The program is supported with a newly renovated health & fitness center. The Weight Room facility is housed in the main Physical Fitness Center and provides a complete Cardio-Theatre. The facility features strength circuit equipment, which include Body Master Machines, a fully equipped Free Weight Room, four televisions and four radio stations to accompany our Life Fitness treadmills, stationary bikes, cross trainers, and Stair Master free Climbers.
INTRAMURAL SPORTS PROGRAMS
This program features a year round program of team and individual sports such as:
a) Basketball, Volleyball, Flag Football, Bowling, Golf and Softball leagues.
b) Tennis, Racquetball, Handball and Squash.
Tournaments are provided in all of the above mentioned sports.
VARSITY/POST LEVEL SPORTS PROGRAM
Presently, the installation is represented in the surrounding community by varsity level rugby and running teams. The teams participate in local, regional, and national tournaments and leagues. Upon request, referrals for All Army Sports Camps and Tryouts have been supported and forwarded for consideration. Wrestling, boxing, running, softball, soccer, rugby, tennis, racquetball, and volleyball athletes have represented the installation.
in Armed Forces Competitions.
AQUATICS
The Aquatics Program features daily opportunities for recreational swimming and lap swimming, utilizing the indoor and outdoor swimming pools in accordance with operational schedules. The Water Aerobics Program provides support for patrons who are maintaining personal fitness levels or who need physical therapy. The Aquatic Program provides scuba diving instruction, lifeguard certification, and swimming instruction. The Sports Branch staff work closely with the American Red Cross, the Aquarians Dive Club, Youth Services, and other organizations to provide these services. The outdoor pool is open seven days a week from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
SUPPORT FOR HEALTH PROMOTION
In conjunction and coordination with the Preventive Medicine Department of the installation's hospital, the Sports Branch provides the opportunity for health promotion fairs, appropriate literature for seasonal emphasis, and quarterly health checks. The health Promotion Professionals plan a variety of programs and activities during the year where the Sports Branch plays an important role.
EQUESTRIAN CENTER
The Fort Rucker Equestrian Center is one of the finest in the Army. Surrounded by over 10,000 acres of beautifully wooded trails, this complex includes regulation dressage rings, breaking pens, lighted arenas and stalls for boarding horses.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Fishing, hunting, picnic areas, campsites, lakes, a skeet range, paintball range, boats, swimming enhancements and numerous other programs can be found at our Outdoor Recreation facilities. Located on Fort Rucker is beautiful Lake Tholocco, a 640-acre lake that offers boating, skiing, swimming and other water activities.
AUTO CRAFT CENTER
Patrons utilize the Auto Craft Center to not only repair their vehicles, but also learn more about them through instructional classes and one-on-one support from knowledgeable staff.
SKILLS, ARTS AND CRAFT SHOP
The well equipped Skills, Arts and Craft Shop offers opportunities for framing, sewing, pottery, woodworking, mosaic glass and numerous other craft activities.
Recreational activities allow Army families to obtain new skills, utilize present skills or just a way to relax and have fun.
YOUTH CENTER
A wealth of creative, supervised youth activities are available through the Youth Center for youth between the ages of 6 - 18, on and off post. The activities are designed to be fun, promote physical fitness and develop lifelong recreation skills. As an added benefit, youth programs may also help young people overcome the stress associated with relocating and adjusting to new friends and peer groups at a new duty station. Sports include soccer, baseball, T-ball, basketball, football, and cheerleading. The center has a game room, full size basketball court, dance and gymnastic studio and computer lab. Classes are offered in Dance, Gymnastics, Piano, Kindermusik and self-defense. Every Friday night is Skate night at the Youth Center from 6:15-10:15. All Youth Center programs are open to Youth Services members. The Youth Center offers exciting year round activities for all ages! The schedule of activities, trips and events changes frequently, so stop by the Youth Center for a current calendar of events.
TEEN CENTER
There is a teen center at the Youth Center, located in building 2806, which is open for teens throughout the week and weekend. The center provides a quiet retreat where teens can enjoy a game of pool or Nintendo or just relax and talk with friends. During teen only times the entire facility is available to them. This includes the computer lab, game room, gymnasium, music, and television. Occasionally organized activities are scheduled by the Keystone Club (Teen Council) that will entertain and challenge teen members. Organizers and DJs are teen council members. Every Wednesday of each month the Keystone Club (Teen Council) holds its meetings at the Youth Center from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Teen issues and concerns are discussed as well as planning for future events. All activities are planned by the teens and may include snorkeling with Manatees, camping, canoeing, amusement parks, days at the beach, water park visits and many other adventures. At the meeting, youths take the initiative to plan fundraisers to offset the cost of their adventures.
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
Boy Scouts of America Troop 50 of Fort Rucker is the best Boy Scout Troop in the Alabama-Florida Council! It provides a setting where boys can grow and learn skills that they can use for a lifetime. Any boy who has completed the 5th grade or is 11 years old, but not yet 18, is welcome to join this fun and exciting organization. Troop 50 meets on Wednesday evenings from 7pm - 8:30pm in the Scout Hut, Building 2801 (7th Avenue & Division Rd.) The scouts practice basic scouting skills, plan campouts, community service projects, earn merit badges at the meetings, and conduct one camping trip a month in the local areas; including destinations in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. The campouts provide an excellent opportunity for the boys to relax, learn individual skills; such as camping and cooking, teamwork, and develop leadership skills. The scouts also learn to respect and care for the outdoors.
CUB SCOUTS OF AMERICA
Family-oriented, fun filled times await your boy(s) ages 6-11 or grades 1-5 in Cub Scouting. Parental involvement is high and the rewards are great! Meetings at the individual age/grade level are determined by the den leader and parents, usually two to three times per month. The monthly pack meeting is held every third Saturday, 9-10am, except for holidays or other events. Camping and overnight trips are at the pack level, but at least one parent must accompany each scout.
Additional Information:
Army Aviation Museum (334) 598-2508
Libraries: Aviation Technical Library (334) 255-3912; Aeromedical Research Lab (334) 255-6886; Aviation Learning Center (334) 225-2776