Construct Two New Multi-age Playgrounds

Homestead Air Reserve Base

Homestead, FL – September 24, 2012

At Homestead Air Reserve Base in Homestead, FL, the Armed Forces Families Foundation contributed $50,000 to construct two playgrounds suitable for children ages 2-5 and for children ages 5-12.  Homestead ARB serves as the headquarters for the 482d Fighter Wing (482 FW), which is assigned under 10th Air Force, as well as tenant units including the Florida Air National Guard 125 FW, Special Operations Command South, and the US Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team Miami.  The 482 FW is a fully combat-ready unit with more than 1,500 members, including approximately 1,200 reservists.

This project satisfied a significant need for the base, which hosts over 3,000 military members & civilians, but which lacked any recreation areas for their children.  The playgrounds provide a safe place for children to play, and their installation generates a dramatic increase in the use of the outdoor recreation areas for the families and children that are on base each year.  The project was completed in September 2012, with the ribbon cutting held on  September 24, 2012.