Summer means outdoor fun Published June 17, 2008 By Jamie Bass 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Water splashes everywhere as shrieking children escaped the heat and dove into the cool waters of the Altus Air Force Base pool under the watchful eye of lifeguards and parents. "I would much rather my kids get two or three hours of exercise everyday than have them sit in front of the television all day, plus it wears them out and they sleep better at night," said Robin Buekers, wife of Tech. Sgt. Christopher Buekers, as she relaxed in the shade of a pool-side canopy umbrella. More than thirty children were burning calories in the water or repeatedly hiking up the steps to the top of the water slide. "You get to know the lifeguards, said Ambra Finstad, wife of Doyle Finstad with the 97th Maintenance Directorate. "There are three or four lifeguards here that taught my children how to swim and they know each one by their first name." The Bueckers and Finstads are daily patrons, enjoying the sunshine and outdoor recreation and are usually waiting for the gate to open. The families pay $35 each for the first two children, then $5 for each additional family member. The pool is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1 - 10p.m.; Tuesday 3 - 10 p.m., Friday 1 p.m. - midnight; and 9 a.m. - midnight on weekends. "Outdoor Recreation is offering many activities and specials through the month of July," said Tim Case, Outdoor Recreation manager. "The July 4 holiday is coming up quickly. If you and your family are planning to go camping, we will rent recreation vehicles on July 3 and let you keep it until Tuesday for the cost of only one day's rental." A pontoon boat would regularly cost you $225.00 for the weekend. If you rent it during the July 4 holiday, you only pay $175.00. A 30-foot travel trailer that would rent for $160.00 will only cost you $110.00 ODR also has a July special for paintball. A two-hour session on the base paintball course will be $12 per person, includes all gear except the paintballs which must purchased through ODR at a competitive price. Entry age is 13 years and older, or accompanied by an adult. "The popular 'Park and a Movie' and 'Splash and a Movie' are back again this year," Mr. Case said. "Bring your lawn chairs, blankets or sleeping bags for a movie at the soccer field or your rafts and floaties for 'Splash and a Movie.' Bring your friends and family out to watch a family movie on the 25 foot-high inflatable screen." Prices for the events include a hotdog, soda and a bag of chips for $3 for adults and $1 for children. Dates for 'Park and a Movie' are July 10 and 24. 'Splash and a Movie' dates are July 15, 22 and 29. Call Outdoor Recreation for times and information on other activities available for summer fun at 481-7416.