Wacky World

Roger Eastburn, American Legion Post 37 commander, spoke at the unveiling of a plaque honoring Post 37's contributions to Wacky World Dec. 6 at McGuire. Post 37 provided three grills, eight trash cans, two benches, three picnic tables, two bouncy frogs and one mountain climber for the children of JB MDL servicemembers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Steve Snyder)

Improvements made to JB MDL playground

Published Dec. 7, 2009
By Steve Snyder
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst community celebrated the improvements made to the family playground known as "Wacky World" with an unveiling ceremony Dec. 6.

The celebration holds special significance this year, the Year of the Military Family, as base leadership and the local community come together to improve the quality of life for servicemembers and their families.

A plaque in honor of American Legion Post 37 was unveiled during the ceremony, celebrating Post 37's $16,000 donation for playground renovations. Post 37 provided three grills, eight trash cans, two benches, three picnic tables, two bouncy frogs and one mountain climber for the children of JB MDL servicemembers.

Wacky World was demolished and rebuilt in September 2008 as an effort to improve family service facilities on McGuire Air Force Base. The new and improved playground was formally dedicated in February 2009 by Col. Balan Ayaar, former 305th Air Mobility Wing Commander.

Wacky World's original structures were built with pressure-treated timber that began to splinter badly. The splintered wood was a hazard for children who played on the equipment. The playground's newest equipment eliminated the problem, as it was constructed primarily of plastic.

The unveiling ceremony at Wacky World was held in conjunction with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated base movie theater on McGuire.