Chapter 6
leather, stained glass, fine arts, and auto crafts) are pro-
c. Community Framework
vided in the new combined crafts center. Many of the
arts and crafts spaces are under-utilized, while the auto
The Community Framework plan (figure 6 - 19) shows
crafts is always full. The main post library, in a fairly new
the pattern of Community Activity Centers and special-
and adequate building near the post administrative
ized other community facilities planned for Fort East. It
center, offers a wide range of reference, general reading,
responds to the geographical context, the array of popu-
periodical and youth collections, as well as special col-
lation groups, their locations and program needs, and the
lections serving the interests of the technically-oriented
existing facilities discussed above.
post population. Two branch libraries serve two of the
large and more remote technical operations facilities.
The major components of the Community Framework are
the development of a Main Post Center utilizing the
The music and theatre program at Fort East is one of the
Community Center currently under construction, a Local
most active and innovative in the Army, although it is
Troop Center adjacent to the troop barracks, and two
housed in only make-shift buildings. Dinner theatre,
Local Family Centers in the midst of the family housing
music and theatre performances, music and dance clas-
neighborhoods. A new main youth activity center, pri-
ses, instrument check-out and practice, and jam sessions
marily for teens, and satellite youth centers in each of
are all well utilized by the entire population. The two
the housing neighborhoods are also planned. The new
recreation centers, in older buildings, provide a range of
existing MSA facilities include a physical fitness center
activities, but the predominant user interest is in sched-
and a combined crafts center with library. They will
uled, programmed activities, rather than drop-in and
remain where they are, even though their locations are
lounging. Clubs, group meetings, ITT, and games are
not the most desirable from the perspective of the new
well-utilized, large-scale ball-room type activities are not.
planning concept. Two older renovated theatres of the
There is a reluctance to mix troops and families, how-
existing music and theatre facilities, and all the existing
ever, careful scheduling allows both to make use of the
sports fields and outdoor recreation facilities, are
same facilities. Youth activities are very popular with its
retained.
own gymnasium, sports fields and teen center. They are
housed in make-shift facilities that are inadequate to the
(1) Main Post Center. The existing Community Center
needs of the extensive on-post family population, espe-
is well-sited in a central location on post, adjacent to the
cially the younger children.
family housing areas and not far from the troop and
There are good officers' and NCO clubs on post, and an
operations areas. It already includes the main exchange,
actively utilized golf course and clubhouse. Despite the
bowling center, post office and bank. The plan for the
competition from these non-MSA activities, as well as
main post center includes additional facilities for the com-
off-post facilities, the MSA program is generally well-run
missary, MSA theatre, movie theatre, child care center
and well-attended. Gaps in the sports, recreation, family
(with full-day, part-day and hourly care), ladies' gym,
services and youth activities areas need to be remedied.
community services, emergency relief, shoppette,
amusement center, and other retail stores (see figure
6 - 20).
The Fort East Main Post Center provides a good mix of
MSA, commercial and community services which all ben-
efit from shared parking, and mutual attraction and activ-
ity generation. The center is oriented heavily toward
family functions (ladies gym, child care, community ser-
vices) because of the large family population and the
absence of existing facilities. Also, the site is conve-
niently located with respect to all the family housing
neighborhoods. Arts and crafts, music, and some indoor
sports are adequately provided in existing facilities and
are not included in this center.
Page 6-26 DG 1110-3-142
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