RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Most of the $35,000 spent on improvements made to the Randolph Air Force Base Enlisted Club will benefit patrons who wish to use the club's outdoor deck.
Mike Casey, 12th Services Division business flight chief, said since smoking was banned inside the club, patrons were asked about what other changes they felt were needed.
"Customers said the deck was too open. There was not enough privacy there," Mr. Casey added. Nor was there enough shade from the hot Texas sun.
But the deck, where smoking is permitted and which is adjacent to Gil's Pub, has changed.
The $35,000 paid for the erection of an arbor-style roof over the deck for shade. In addition, it bought lattices, built like walls for privacy, which tie the roof and the deck's rail together. A live oak tree near the deck's edge was also left for shade. The money also paid for fans, which will be hung from the deck's roof. It also bought misters to cool patrons who frequent the deck, which will have a new bar.
Finally, some of that money paid for new patio furniture, which is already on the deck.
"The old furniture was getting worn out and tacky," Mr. Casey commented.
Inside Gil's Pub, which draws many patrons during football season, woodwork along the bar has been re-varnished and new carpet has been installed.
Contractor-based delays have slowed the resurfacing of Gil's Pub's bar, he added.
Paul Needham, Enlisted Club bar manager, said the bar's new surface will be a dark granite and new cabinetry will be added behind the bar.
That bar re-surfacing and the new cabinetry will cost another $15,000, Mr. Casey noted.