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Kid Zone reopened for business April 17 on Pulaski Barracks after a six-month renovation project to modernize the center.
The game center on Pulaski Barracks features a kids’ indoor play area with slides and games from Hungry Hippo to skee-ball.
The last renovation was approximately five years ago, before the Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation center decided it was time for a change.
“The decor was outdated and needed a change,” said Wendy Gittens, Army MWR training manager.
All surfaces from the floors to the ceilings, including counter tops, received a face lift with a newly incorporated theme.
“When you walk in the center, you experience a jungle environment,” Ms. Gittens said. “The area offers a more intimate and playful setting.”
The new upgrade involved the addition of trees for a more realistic
environment, new light fixtures accented with vines and table tops that match their jungle surroundings.
“The jungle element was added everywhere and allows the families to get in the swing of things,” Ms. Gittens said.
The paintings on the walls and overall atmosphere is much more inviting, said Deana Williams, spouse of Airman 1st Class Matt Williams, a member of the 721st Aerial Port Squadron.
“My son loves animals, so the upgrade is perfect for him,” Mrs. Williams said. “I think all young children have an infatuation with animals they don’t see normally.”
Although the games and the play area haven’t changed, the children’s excitement to be there was noticeable through their smiles and yells.
“It was nice that Caleb was familiar with the area, but there was a new twist that had him excited to be here,” Mrs. Williams said.
The center’s main focus is on military families having an indoor facility that everyone can enjoy.
Although the decor was the major issue, the center added new padding in the play areas and new cameras to see all angles of the Kid Zone, she added.
“The first thing we wanted to do was keep the kids safe, that’s why we added cameras that see everything,” Ms. Gittens said.
Along with surface changes and safety additions, they also revamped the menu to add healthier options.
“We still have kid favorites, but we also added salads and wraps to the menu,” she said.
Kid Zone is located in Bldg. 2895 on Pulaski Barracks and is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
