Outdoor recreation in full-swing during summer months Published April 29, 2011 By Senior Airman Allison M. Boehm 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Whether it's an 11-mile hike or a game of paintball, Barksdale's Outdoor and Recreation division brings Airmen and their families fun activities for the summer months. "The whole reason we are here is to help provide members of the Barksdale community with any outdoor activities they could ever want," said Paul Williamson, Outdoor and Recreation manager. "I can't think of a better way to spend a work day than to be doing something related to outdoor recreation." The Outdoor and Recreation facilities and programs are open to active duty, Department of Defense civilians, reservists, retirees and immediate family members and provide quality morale, welfare, recreation and support services. Additionally, there are regular opportunities for kids or families to enjoy paintball, archery, fishing or canoeing on the East Reservation's numerous lakes. Some of the activities Outdoor and Recreation provides include the Barksdale Golf Course, two base pools which open Memorial Day weekend, equipment rentals such as tents, campers and accessories, the FamCamp which is a year-round camp ground and much more. "We hope to impact the overall mission by allowing Airmen and their families to 'escape' the challenges of everyday life," Mr. Williamson said. "It is easy to get caught up in the realities of our work and forget about things like recreation. It doesn't matter if it's a camping trip or just a simple hike, I can't think of any outdoor-related activity that can't be done out on the East Reservation." For more information about programs and events, contact the Outdoor and Recreation office at 318-453-0976 or visit http://barksdaleservices.com.