Having an adventure in the outdoors

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  An adventure outdoors can be shared with family or friends and can range from camping under the stars, fishing on a large pond or hiking through one of the many trails, all of which is located at Grassy Pond just 30 minutes south of Moody.

Grassy Pond is a military-specific facility that supports all Service members, retirees and their families and offers many different activities to participate in.

"At Grassy Pond, we try to make it an ideal place so that members can escape here for the weekend or maybe just spend some time with their family," said Hank Santicola, 23rd Force Support Squadron Grassy Pond recreational area manager. "We are only 30 minutes away from Moody so it's an easy drive for members who wish to experience the outdoors but don't have much time."

There are 19 shelters available to set up for anyone looking to spend a day at the pond complete with grills and tables. For members looking for different arrangements, facilities offer 2-person cabins, 3-person trailers, a tent site or an RV park.

"The RV park here is wonderful and full of so many amazing people who are friendly as can be," said Linda Beckman, patron of Grassy Pond. "This is the first time my husband and I have been here and it has been an amazing experience for us."

For families with children, the area around the pond is full of wildlife and activities to engage in, including a jungle gym and wading pool for children who want to swim or play.

"The pond is always closed for swimming due to it being full of animals, but the fishing is amazing," said Santicola. "Fishing is free as long as the member has their valid Georgia fishing license and a Moody permit."

Members can enjoy the water in their own boat or rental equipment; fishing boats, canoes, petal boats or Pontoon boats are readily available.

Squadrons looking to host events at Grass Pond receive the use of one pavilion free once a year. For bigger parties, the largest pavilion holds up to 200 people.

For more information on any of these amenities or to place a reservation, call 229-559-5840 or visit http://www.moodyfss.com/content.asp?pid=13&id=423.