Outdoor Recreation . . . Keesler’s hidden gem on the bay

Published Oct. 25, 2016
By Diana White
81st Force Support Squadron Marketing

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- What started in 1943 as a Ship Island recreational facility, Outdoor Recreation has blossomed over the years with a multitude of new activities, programs and facilities for the Keesler community. Nestled on the north side of base bordering the Biloxi Back Bay, Outdoor Recreation and Marina Park is a hidden gem amongst the Keesler landscape.

Featuring a 17-acre park dotted with Spanish moss draped oak trees, the shade and breeze of the park is a welcome respite during the brutal Mississippi summers when temperatures can hover near 100 degrees.

In the last two years, the park has expanded its facilities to include an accessible park and splash pad as well as electricity into the 105 boat wet slips inside the marina. Additionally, they added a paintball course adjacent to the commissary that allows players to duck and dive behind objects to avoid their opponent’s fire.

Activities inside the park range from small, private functions like birthdays and going away parties to large, base-wide functions that bring together the entire Keesler community. Keesler’s 2015 Ghouls in the Park saw more than 2,000 military and family members participate in trunk-or-treat, games, hay rides and a haunted house. In July 2016, Keesler held its first fireworks show over the water just outside the marina as the military community watched throughout the park and enjoyed patriotic music.

Throughout the year, Outdoor Recreation strives to provide other safe, well managed activities that foster family and individual well-being, unit cohesion and fitness through programs like Recharge for Resiliency, Single Airman and RecOn.

But it’s not just on land where Outdoor Recreation attains its goals. The facility’s fishing & water sport programs have seen tremendous growth over the years. According to Outdoor Recreation director Barbara Medlock, the equipment, facilities and excursions are some of the best that are offered on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

“You can’t help but want to go out on the water when you come to the park,” said Medlock. “We have by far some of the most beautiful areas for pier fishing on the coast.”

In fact, the recent fall Kid’s Fishing Rodeo saw 88 fish caught in a matter of 4-hours. The prices for getting out on the water are also a great advantage. Water equipment rentals range from $10 for a half day of kayaking or canoeing to $135 for a full day trip on Keesler’s first TriToon, the Blue Diamond. Furthermore, the Dolphin II, Keesler’s 50-foot deep sea fishing vessel, continues to thrill novice and experienced fisherman alike.
“Our trips on the Dolphin II are everything you’re looking for in a fishing charter,” said Medlock. “We’ve got a top-notch crew that knows all the hot spots along the coastal waters and the $110 price is one of the lowest coast-wide.”

Sign-up group trips go out on Fridays and Sundays depending on weather and private charters and overnight trips are available throughout the year.

With all the activities and fun that are already happening inside the park, there’s more to look forward to on the horizon. In 2017, Outdoor Recreation and the Bay Breeze Collocated Club partner to add the Pelican’s Perch Tiki Bar inside the park as well as continue upgrading their boat fleet and equipment rentals.

With all the changes over the years, one thing has remained constant about what is offered at Outdoor Recreation.

“We’re extremely excited to continue adding to the overall atmosphere of the park and what we can offer,” said Medlock. “Everything we add is just our way of trying to achieve our goal . . . providing high quality outdoor experiences for the Keesler military community.”