Adventures Unlimited re-opens

By Somer Breeze-Hanson/JBLM PAO on September 27, 2012

Adventures Unlimited on McChord Field re-opened its doors to a brighter and updated facility Sept. 18.

The rental shop houses equipment needed for any outdoor adventure from mountain climbing to kayaking to camping. The facility closed May 12 and underwent a 90-day $156,000 renovation. Joint Base Lewis-McChord Commander Col. H. Charles Hodges Jr., welcomed the crowd and cut the ceremonial ribbon along with JBLM Director of Outdoor Recreation Laura Lad, Northwest Adventure Center Business Manager Kristin Sutich, Adventures Unlimited Recreation Assistant Tarah Strouse and Adventures Unlimited Lead Recreation Assistant Megan Rorabaugh.

"This is our commitment to all service members, not just the Airmen on McChord Field, but all service members have the opportunity to utilize this facility," Hodges said. "It's very much inviting."

Located on Battery Road on McChord Field, the rental facility's renovations included new wood flooring, new interior and exterior paint, new outdoor signage, a new garage door, new displays and fixtures, new ski and snowboard equipment and an upgraded kitchen and restrooms.

"It's updated and fresh, and it's more 2012," Sutich said. "We wanted to showcase more of what we have."

The warehouse feel of the old facility gave way to more of a store-like atmosphere with clothing and equipment racks. The customer service counter was also moved to a more central location to increase visibility and better assist patrons. The renovation included taking down the indoor rock climbing wall that didn't get much use and took up valuable space.

The new space allows for more displays of available rental items for service members, DOD civilians and family members. The rental floor displays include camping, mountain climbing, snowshoeing and a ski shop. None of the displays is seasonal, as all equipment is available to rent at any time of the year.

"We don't have anything you can't rent at any time," Sutich said. "You can come in in June and say, ‘Hey I'm going skiing at Whistler, can I get some skis?'"

What can't be seen on the rental shop floor is stored in a large storage facility located behind the store.

Adventures Unlimited is one of two outdoor recreation facilities on JBLM. The Northwest Adventure Center is located on NCO Beach Road on Lewis North.

Adventures Unlimited is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. to noon, closed on Sundays and holidays.