Balfour Beatty celebrates Community Center grand opening

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Balfour Beatty Communities unveiled their new multi-facility complex during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 13 at Whiteman.

The new facility, which features a Recreation Center, Community Center and Maintenance Facility, is open to Whiteman family housing residents.

"I've lived here for more than 5 years and ever since Balfour Beatty took over, there have been major improvements," said Crystal Vergara, wife of deployed Staff Sgt. Jaime Vergara from the 509th Medical Support Squadron. "They provide so many different services that build morale. This is a huge addition and a place where families can get together on base. "

According to a BBC press release, the new facility features the following amenities:

The Community Center is 4,500 square feet and also houses the BBC Leasing Office and Government Housing Management Office. Additionally, there is a spacious great room with a 42-inch flat-screen television, fireplace, conference room and children's play area.

A separate 16,000-square-foot Recreation Center features numerous amenities, including a 108,000-gallon indoor swimming pool with disability accessibility and kid's splash area, fitness center equipped with cardio equipment, weight machines, aerobic room, and a separate children's play area. Locker rooms with restrooms and showers are available for guests' use.

The third building, the BBC Maintenance Facility, also includes a self-help store where residents are welcome to complimentary home maintenance supplies.

On the exterior grounds, residents will have access to a playground, covered picnic areas with Adirondack chairs for relaxation, and on-site parking.

The goal of all these facilities is to make sure Whiteman families have a relaxing and fun place to go.

"It is our mission to give our military families world-class service and communities in which to do that," said Patrick Hoppaugh, BBC area manager. "In addition to the military members who serve and protect us around the world are the family members who remain behind and serve on the home front."

The Community Center is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended evening hours until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. The Recreation Center is open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All three facilities are located at 301 Summit Drive.

For more information, call Balfour Beatty Communities at 660-687-0559.