LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
After two years of renovations, the Langley Community Center reopened its doors Feb. 9.
The community center is back and striving to be better than ever by offering more programs and activities to raise the morale of Langley Airmen and their families.
"We are eager to be back," said James Murrell, the community center program director.
For the short time the center has been open, people are already making good use of the programs and facilities, showing a great turnout at night, according to Mr. Murrell.
"I'm looking forward to having a fun place to go and hang out on base," said Senior Airman Jason Spegal, a 30th Intelligence Squadron signals analyst. "I can save money and be close to home."
Renovations and upgrades to the center include four billiard tables, ping-pong tables and new recording studio software, which gives musicians the chance to work with a producer and create their own music.
For those who aren't musically inclined, there's a martial arts room, where instructors from the local area come to Langley and offer their knowledge to boost discipline, self-awareness and a physical workout.
The community center also offers an array of music and dance lessons including piano, guitar, drum, voice and Chicago-style-stepping for a minimal fee.
"We want the center's programs to be better than ever," said Mr. Murrell. "We work off of feedback from Airmen to initiate new programs and keep existing ones."
Popular events from the past that will return this year include the children's carnival in April, the Father's Day car show and the all-night video gaming parties.
"I'm looking forward to the (Local Area Network) party in March," said Airman Spegal. "It's going to be interesting playing video games against 25 people at the same time."
If video gaming isn't a priority for Airmen, the center will host a chess tournament March 12, Langley winners have the opportunity to compete Air Force-wide.
The four civilians who operate the community center are also planning to throw themed parties in the conference room. Themes the currently in development include a welcome back party, an Airmen Committed to Excellence party, a pajama party and other costume parties.
"The parties will be the answer for Airmen who unable to have fun at the clubs downtown," said Mr. Murrell. "All ages can come spend the night with a DJ and dancing."
The staff is currently working on the ACE lounge, which will be an exclusive room for members to meet and relax.
"We are doing everything we can to provide programs and activities for Langley," said Mr. Murrell. "We are here to serve."
People interested in contributing time or ideas to the center can call Marcus Soriano, the Langley Community Center programs director, at 764-2983.