MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the recently reconstructed 11 Area Paige Fieldhouse athletic field, April 26.
The ceremony marked the grand opening of the state-of-the-art sports complex, available to Marines, sailors and their families.
"As Marines, we're always seeking different ways to [stay physically fit]," said Brig. Gen. Vincent A. Coglianese, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. "[The new track and field] provides just that, a world-class training venue."
The five month, $3.35 million project offers a synthetic, all-weather track and an artificial athletic field, which will require minimal maintenance.
"The key to the project is the coordination among the government and the department agencies with the construction contractor," said Cmdr. Russ Rang, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast resident officer in charge of construction (ROICC), Camp Pendleton.
The 400-meter track and the athletic field are specifically constructed with innovative gel technology that allows for increased shock absorbance, a major safety consideration for the athletes using the sports complex.
"The track and field will reduce injury," said Coglianese. "It was designed with a softer surface that will absorb physical impact."
During the free event, Marine Corps Community Services provided activities such as a rock climbing wall, a zip-line and an exercise challenge.