Columbus AFB is located on Hwy 45, 10 miles north of Columbus , Mississippi , a community of 30,000 people. The closest larger cities include Tuscaloosa, AL and Tupelo, MS (60 miles); Birmingham, AL (120 miles), Memphis, TN, Jackson, MS and Montgomery, AL (150 miles). Columbus has mild and moderate weather. The summers are long and normally very mild winters prevail. There is seldom any sudden transition in temperatures. Outside work and recreation can be conducted year round. Columbus boarders the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and the region abounds in exceptional fishing, hunting and boating.
Index
Outdoor Recreational Activities Equipment Rental
ITT ticket sales Leisure Travel Operations
Aquatics operations Resale operations
NAF resale/auction operation On-base picnic pavilions
Off base FAMCAMP slots RV Storage Adventure Links
Reach us at www.cafbservices.com
Commercial Phone (662)-434-2505, 2507 or 7861 DSN prefix is 742
Outdoor Recreation is located in Building 152 at the corner of B Street and Seventh . It is unique in the fact that it provides single point access to information, equipment, and diverse programming for both the Outdoor Recreation (ODR) programs, the Information, Ticket and Travel (ITT) programs, Skeet and Trap Range and Riding Stables.
HOURS OF OPERATION - 1 October to 31 March
Monday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.;
Sunday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.;
Tuesday and Holidays Closed
1 April to 30 September
Monday 7 a.m. -5 p.m.;
Tuesday, Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday 8 a.m. - Noon;
Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. - Noon
Sunday 0900 – 1300; Holidays Closed
APPOINTMENTS FOR SCALES MAY BE MADE FOR THOSE HOURS WE ARE CLOSED. CALL 2505 DURING NORMAL OPERATING HOURS TO ARRANGE FOR AN APPOINTMENT TIME.
Outdoor Recreational Activities
Located in Bldg 152 in the Outdoor Recreation complex.
(662) 434-2505 or DSN 742-2505.
Facilities and Recreation Areas: We fully utilize the recreational facilities we have such as the pools and picnic areas. We have established a contract with the Corp of Engineers operated DeWayne Hayes recreation area for joint or partial use of their facilities.
This is a comprehensive 6 component program encompassing the following:
Organized activities:
- Provides awareness, interest and entertainment. The outdoor recreation reference library includes over 75 films, more than 50 travelogues and brochures and magazines that communicate the diversity of our programs.
- 22 different instructional and safety classes are specifically designed to transfer knowledge or develop skills. Examples include swimming, boaters safety, horticulture, bicycle repair, fishing classes, fly tying, canoeing etc.
- Mainstream Outdoor Recreation Programming such as camping, bicycling, skiing, swimming and fishing are conducted seasonally.
- Outdoor Adventure or “perceived risk” programs such as whitewater rafting, scuba diving, rock climbing, repelling, and wilderness survival are conducted
Referral System:
- We maintain a resource center to include books, magazines and videos allowing outdoor enthusiasts to gain more knowledge about their favorite activity.
- We provide information on local clubs for other individuals who plan self-directed outings. These include local Corp of Engineer programs, fishing clubs and certain student weekend excursions.
- We provide regular and “topo” maps, travel guides and brochures to all recreation areas within a 200 mile radius of Columbus AFB. This program ties in with cross-market efforts with the ITT operation.
- Mail order equipment catalogs and discounted tickets or sources for discounted tickets for outdoor adventure programs are made available for customers.
Equipment Support: Both specialized and general equipment is maintained. This area is explained in greater detail in the equipment rental and equipment loan sections.
Customer Services: We provide various outdoor recreation and ITT related full-service and self-service programs. These include lawn equipment repair and tune-ups, individual instruction on boat operation, trip-planning service, hotel reservation service, how-to books and manuals, cruise and vacation bookings and an equipment delivery service.
Resale Operations: Both special order and marine shelf items are available for purchase. Sundry camping supplies are available at the base exchange.Facilities and Recreation Areas: We fully utilize the recreational facilities we have such as the pools and picnic areas. We have established a contract with the Corp of Engineers operated DeWayne Hayes recreation area for joint or partial use of their facilities.
Equipment Rental OperationsLocated in Bldg 152 in the Outdoor Recreation complex.
(662) 434-2505 or DSN 742-2505.
The Equipment Rental operation provides a multitude of recreational equipment at reasonable charges to authorized users. The scope of the rental program is extremely diversified. There are presently over 260 shelf items, 17 canoes, 2 pontoons, 1 ski boat, 1 bass boat, 3 deck boats, 5 campers, 2 dunking booths, 4 moonwalks, 2 car dollies, and six utility trailers for rent. (Attachment 1 contains a list of all Equipment Rental and Equipment Loan items). This program also includes a resale operation, contracted carpet cleaning machines and the base weighing scales program used for personal weights of household goods.
Equipment Loan OperationsLocated in Bldg 152 in the Outdoor Recreation complex.
(662) 434-2505 or DSN 742-2505.
The Equipment Loan operation provides a multitude of camping, hunting and fishing equipment. Minimal charges to offset maintenance costs are passed on to the customer. This program fully supports the Outdoor Adventure program. Air Force Golden Eagle Standards provide a list of all items required to operate this program. We have 100% of all required items on hand. This program has flourished and grown beyond expectations.
ITT Ticket SalesLocated in Bldg 152 in the Outdoor Recreation complex.
(662) 434-2505 or DSN 742-2505.
The ITT ticket operation provides ticket accessibility to all major theme park attractions in the United States through the Air Force Central Ticket Program. In-house consignment tickets are available to 6-Flags Over Georgia ( Atlanta), Dollywood ( Pigeon-Forge, TN), Libertyland ( Memphis, TN), Visionland ( Birmingham, AL), T-Rex Hockey ( Tupelo, MS) and the Birmingham and Jackson Zoos.
ITT Off-Base TourLocated in Bldg 152 in the Outdoor Recreation complex.
(662) 434-2505 or DSN 742-2505.
The ITT Tour Program is extensive and conducts over 135 local and long distance tours affordable to all customers. Regularly scheduled tours include Disney World, Pro Football Tours to the New Orleans (Saints), Tennessee (Titans), and Atlanta (Falcons), Pro Basketball Tours to Memphis (Grizzles) and Atlanta (Braves) Baseball. Concerts, Amusement Parks, Shopping and Cultural tours are conducted quarterly. Local casino tours are held monthly. The most unique program is the individualized contract tours. We take groups of 12 or more anywhere within 24 hours driving time. Last FY included trips as distant as Denver, CO, Flint, MI and Miami, FL. Vehicles supporting these excursions are a 29 passenger diamond coach tour bus and a 17 passenger Ford bus. The ITT operation is actively involved in cross-marketing with the Outdoor Adventure Program by providing vehicle support for skiing tours, whitewater rafting trips, canoe trips and other outdoor programs. ITT logs over 50,000 miles each year.
Leisure Travel ProgramLocated in Bldg 152 in the Outdoor Recreation complex.
(662) 434-2505 or DSN 742-2505.
The Leisure Travel Program is extensive and provides air, cruise and vacation packages. The availability of three Carnival Cruise ships (Conquest, Sensation, Holiday) within 5 hours makes the cruise portion of leisure travel the most extensive with $101,000 in gross sales for the last fiscal year. Cruise seminars are conducted every quarter for the base populace.
Aquatics OperationsLocated in Bldg 844 on Independence Drive.
(662) 434-2491 or DSN 742-2491.
The Outdoor Recreation on-base aquatics program is supported by the base pool The pool is the hub of all on-base summer aquatics programs. The pool operates 13 hours per day 7 days a week and offers open swim, lap swimming, swim team, beginner, intermediate and advanced swim lessons, water aerobics, mom and tots classes and adult swim classes. We also cross-market with the Youth Center for the day-camp program and provide support for the Outdoor Adventure scuba classes. A sundry type snack bar is available during operating hours. Nights are reserved for pool parties. Daily and annual passes may be purchased at either Outdoor Recreation or the pool.
Independence Pool -
Located Next to the Columbus Club - Open 7 Days a Week
Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 12 to 7 p.m.
Adults Moonlight Swim (18 & older) - 9-11 p.m. Tuesdays only
Kiddie Pool - Opens at 9 a.m. Mon-Fri - no charge
YouthCenter Day Camp - 9:30-10:50 a.m. Mon/Wed/Fri
Pool Parties Begin at 7:30 p.m.
Reservations may be made for any day except Tuesday.
Parties may not last past midnight.
A $25 deposit is required at time of sign-up
(nonrefundable if cancelled within 48 hours of reservation date).
$75 flat rate fee for Friday, Saturday or Sunday parties
$55 flat rate fee for Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday parties
Free Lap Swimming
Monday-Friday, 6-7:30 a.m. (all lanes)
11 a.m.-1 p.m. & 5-7 p.m. (2 lanes)
Water Aerobics
$1 per person per session
Tue & Thu from 9:30-10:15 a.m., 10:15-11 a.m. and
Saturdays from 9-9:45 a.m.
Admission-without season pass
$1 per day for eligible users & family members
$2 per day for non-family member guests
Family Season Passes
May 27 - June 30 & August 1 - September 30
Free swimming from July 1 to July 30 for all eligible users compliments of your BaseRecyclingCenter.
Season Passes Club Member Price Regular Price
One Person $15 $20
Two Persons Same Family $28 $35
Three Persons Same Family $35 $45
Four Persons Same Family $38 $50
Additional Family Members No Charge No Charge
Children 5 and Under No Charge No Charge
Swimming Lessons
Ages 3-18
Cost: $40 per 8-class session - Monday thru Thursday for two weeks - Fridays are used for make-ups.
Session Dates:
June 6-17
June 20-30
July 5-16
July 18-28
Types of Classes
Beginner, 8 -8:30 a.m. (maximum of 8 per class session).
Described as having no prior lessons.
Intermediate, 8:30- 9:00 a.m. (maximum of 8 per class session).
Described as not being afraid of the water but cannot swim
Advanced, 9:00-9:30 a.m. (maximum of 10 per class session).
Described as having some swimming ability
NOTE: Mom and Tots classes and adult swim lessons cannot be scheduled at this time because of the unavailable of water time.
Pool Rules
Willful violation of these rules could result
in restriction from pool use.
w/ Children under 11 years old must be supervised by an adult who is at least 18.
w/ One adult may not supervise more than 10 children
w/ Children 11–13 must pass the Air Force directed swim test to swim unaccompanied.
w/ Wading pool is restricted to children 5 and under and direct adult supervision is required
w/ Only Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices are authorized in pool
w/ Proper swimming attire is required at all times for all age groups – Criteria is posted in each area
w/ All patrons must shower before entering the pool and re-shower after applying lotion
w/ Eye glasses are not permitted while swimming in the pool
w/ Diving is permitted from the diving board only—one at a time
w/ Swimming is not permitted in the dive well while board is in use
w/ Swimming proficiency must be proven before using the large slide
w/ Persons using the small slide must be assisted by an adult 18 or older
w/ Pool area restrictions include pets, glass containers, running, horseplay, gum
w/ Drinking or eating is not permitted within 10 feet of the pool edge
w/ Smoking is not permitted in any area
w/ Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in pool area except during private parties
w/ Street shoes may not be worn on the pool deck
w/ TDY personnel are authorized reciprocal privileges as outlined in AFI 34-101
Non-swimming sponsors are not required to pay the admission fees
Eligible users must remain with the guests while they are using the pool
Pool will be vacated 10 minutes prior to each hour for inspections
CHILDREN’S CONDUCT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THEIR ADULT SPONSORS
LIFEGUARDS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL USERS
LIFEGUARD DECISIONS CONCERNING SAFETY AND RULES ARE FINAL!
Resale Operations
Located in Bldg 152 in the Outdoor Recreation complex. (662) 434-2505 or DSN 742-2505.
Our resale operation includes sundry marine type items and special order catalog items.
NAF Resale/Auction OperationsLocated in Bldg 152 in the Outdoor Recreation complex. (662) 434-2505 or DSN 742-2505.
Outdoor Recreation is the focal point for the NAF resale program. This popular program allows us to offer patrons fully depreciated NAF equipment and furniture at a vast savings.
On-base Picnic Pavilions
Office is located in Bldg 152 in the Outdoor Rec complex. (662) 434-2505 or DSN 742-2505.
Outdoor Recreation is responsible for three on-base picnic areas and one on-base playground. These picnic areas, SAC Lake, Freedom Park and Simler Park, are scheduled on a reservation basis. A fee is charged for their use, with the exception of sanctioned squadron functions. Freedom park is home to the Freedom Park Playground, a $200,000 self-help playground project completed with the technical support of the Weathers Playground Architectural Company. It is open during daylight hours for all eligible users at no charge
Off-base Base FAMCAMP SlotsOffice is located in Bldg 152 in the Outdoor Rec complex. (662) 434-2505 or DSN 742-2505.
Outdoor Recreation is responsible for scheduling of four FAMCAMP slots at the Corp. of Engineers DeWayne Hayes campground. These slots are provided to active duty personnel at no charge. FAMCAMP slots are located at the center of the campgrounds and available all year except for the Memorial Day, July 4 th and Labor day weekends. Contact Outdoor Recreation at (662) 434-2505 or DSN 742-2505.
RV Storage
Office is located in Bldg 152 in the Outdoor Rec complex. (662) 434-2505 or DSN 742-2505.
136 secure on-base RV storage slots are available for both on-base and off-base authorized users. Monthly fees are $5 for on-base personnel and $10 for personnel living off base. The combination lock system used allows for 24 hour customer access.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Our customers, most of whom are return visitors, are very vocal concerning their wants and needs. Outdoor Recreation has always responded to the needs of its customers; those living on and off-base, singles and families, active duty members and retirees, DoD civilians and contractors. This is evident in having won the 2001 AETC Program of the Year Award and having been recognized in 2004 as one of 5 Air Force wide 5-Star programs. It is also proven by our Customer Service rating of 4.79. Data supplied in the Corporate Prism VI surveys show that we exceed their expectations in all areas. Those expectations include a myriad of low cost programs, quality equipment, fair prices, referral sources and most of all superior customer service.
Because the majority of our customers are return customers we strive continually to reach new markets and additional customers. Growth potential could is unlimited if we are successful in providing FAMCAMP services in the future.
Adventure links
Nearby areas of interest include Lake Lowndes State Park,
Columbus MS and the Natchez Trace Parkway.
If you are traveling around Columbus, Maxwell, or Keesler AFB, take an opportunity to visit the National Park Service Site at Natchez Trace Parkway
Dewayne Hayes recreation area, map of Columbus Lake in and around the Fascinate of Columbus MS.