Recreation
Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation operates the majority of recreational activities at West Point. FMWR strives to enhance the quality of life for West Point military personnel, civilian employees and military retirees in the area.
The Recreation Division is headquartered in Bldg. 681. RD activities include the Auto Shop, Craft Shop, Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, FMWR Fitness Center, Leisure Travel Services, Library Morgan Farm Stables and Kennel, Victor Constant Ski Slope, swimming areas, intramural sports for adults, ice skating, Round Pond, Bull Pond, Lake Frederick, garden plots and special events. Registrations, payments, passes, permits and tickets are sold at the appropriate activity. For more information, call 938-6127/8249.
SKI SLOPE
The Victor Constant Ski Slope has three downhill trails with a vertical drop of 460 feet, a triple chair lift, cable tow for the beginner hill, terrain park and a groomed cross-country trail. The slope is open from mid-December through mid-March, weather permitting. Rental equipment for downhill and cross-country skiing, as well as snowboarding, is available. A ski lodge featuring Primo’s Express is located at the base of the slope and provides refreshments and warmth. Ski lessons for children and adults and season passes are offered through the Ski Area Sales and Ticket Office. Annual events include the Ski, Skate and Hockey Swap in November and the Polar Fest in February. For more information, call 938-3726.
GOLF COURSE
The West Point Golf Course is a challenging 18-hole, mountain-style layout nestled in the hills of the Hudson Valley. This ‘spikeless’ course also includes a driving range, pro shop and full service snack bar. Golf clubs, gas carts and pull carts are available for rental. Daily play is from April through November with lessons, tournaments and league play available. All daily and advanced greens fees may be purchased at the Clubhouse. The course is open to authorized users and the general public. For more information, call 938-2435/2327.
SWIMMING
Recreational outdoor swimming is available at Delafield Pond and Round Pond from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swim punch passes may be purchased at both swim areas or at LTS. Daily passes are also available at each facility. Delafield Pond features zero depth swimming for toddlers, a double tube water slide, snack bar, volleyball court and plenty of sand for kids to enjoy. Round Pond beach is a small beachfront located within the campgrounds of Round Pond and features a snack bar and game room. A learn-to-dive SCUBA program is also offered at Delafield Pond. For more information, contact the Swimming Facilities Manager’s Office at 938-5158 or 938-8623.
ROUND POND
The Round Pond Recreation Area is located off Route 293, just three miles from Washington Gate. The tranquil pond is surrounded by beaches, playgrounds, picnic areas, log cabins and campsites. Twenty-eight RV Campsites with water and electrical hook-up are available. Boating, hiking, swimming, fishing, volleyball, basketball and horseshoes are favorite pastimes at Round Pond, with most of the necessary equipment readily available for rent at the Equipment Checkout Center. You can also refill propane gas tanks and purchase hunting and
fishing licenses at the main office. For information, call 938-2503.
BULL POND
The Bull Pond Recreation Area offers limited fishing, boating, hiking and swimming and is located off Route 293 on the West Point Reservation. Bull Pond is the perfect place for a vacation close to home. Cottages, situated by the “private” lake, are available for rent in priority order by active duty military personnel assigned to West Point, active duty military assigned elsewhere, retired military and civilian employees assigned to West Point. Every April a lottery is held to determine who may rent the cottages. For more information, call 938-2503.
LAKE FREDERICK
The Lake Frederick Recreation Area is located next to a spring-fed lake on the West Point Reservation off Route 293. This recreation area is used for family camping, Scout camping and cadet training. Ten A-frame cabins, a sandy beach with floating docks, grills and free use of boats combine to make it an ideal place for rustic family camping. For more information, call 938-2503.
ICE SKATING
Tate Rink, located in the Holleder Center, is open for recreational ice skating on Sundays, 3:30-5 p.m., November to March. Skating is free of charge––bring your own skates. For information and possible cancellations or change in hours, call 938-2991.
HUNTING
West Point’s Recreation Division is authorized to sell NYS Hunting Licenses, both at LTS, year round and at Round Pond during the summer season. All applicable NYS policies, fees and eligibility rules apply. Applicants must show their drivers license when purchasing hunting licenses. For more information, call LTS at 938-2401 or Round Pond at 938-2503.
FISHING
West Point offers 16,000 acres of lakes, ponds and streams for recreational fishing. West Point Regulation 215-5 governs fishing and boating on the reservation. Special fishing regulations unique to West Point, which are more stringent than NYS Fish and Wildlife Laws, are included in the regulation. All fish management at West Point is conducted by the Natural Resources Branch, DPW, 938-3857. All anglers over 16 years old must have a NYS fishing license AND a West Point fishing permit to fish in West Point waters. For more information, call 938-2503/2401 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
SPORTS
The West Point Sports Branch offers intramural tournaments and league play in individual and team sports for unit, staff and faculty personnel assigned to West Point to include basketball, bowling, golf, softball, tennis, racquetball, volleyball and ultimate frisbee. For information, call 938-3066/2911.
FMWR FITNESS CENTER
The FMWR Fitness Center, located in Bldg. 683, offers
a variety of free weights, strength equipment and cardiovascular machines to help you achieve your fitness goals. Classes offered include spinning, yoga, bootcamp, Les Mills bodypump, introduction to strength training and more. Massage therapy and personal training are available by appointment for a fee. Hours are Mon.-Fri. 5:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Saturdays 7 a.m.-2 p.m. and
Sundays 1-6 p.m. For a class schedule, visit www.westpointmwr.com or call 938-6490.
MORGAN FARM STABLE AND KENNEL
Morgan Farm is located three miles southwest of Thayer Gate in Bldg. 2026 (behind James I. O’Neill High School). Beginner and experienced riders can take advantage of Western and English style riding lessons, guided trail rides and summer riding camps. For private owners, full care and partial care stalls are available for rent at reasonable rates.
Morgan Farm Kennel is the perfect temporary home for cats or dogs. They offer pet care for community members transitioning to or from West Point or just going on vacation. The kennel offers advance reservations, a climate controlled facility, large dog runs and daily walks for a nominal fee. Updated pet vaccinations are required and grooming services are available. The farm is open daily from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call 938-3926.
HARBORCRAFT
There are three passenger-carrying vessels operated in support of official academy functions. Excess availability may be used by personnel assigned to West Point for non-official excursions on the scenic Hudson River. Located at the South Dock, these vessels sail from late April through mid-October. For more information, contact the Harbormaster at 938-3011.
ATHLETIC FACILITIES
Many of the academy’s athletic facilities are available to the West Point community. They are named for graduates who gained distinction in the sport associated with that facility or for major donors.
Those facilities under the Directorate of Intercollegiate Athletics include Michie Stadium “home of Army football,” Shea Stadium, Truxtun Lacrosse Complex, Holleder Center which includes Tate Hockey Rink and Christl Arena, Gross Olympic Sports Center, Lichtenberg Tennis Center, Groves Golf Center, Foley Athletic Center and the Kimsey Athletic Center. For information on Army sports facilities, call the Office of the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at 938-3002.
Arvin Cadet Physical Development Center
The Arvin Cadet Physical Development Center, located in Bldg. 727 and overseen by the Department of Physical Education, underwent a $97 million renovation from 2000 to 2005. The facility is open to the West Point military and civilian workforce and their dependents. The areas available include the 3rd floor weight room, Class of ’62 fitness room, racquetball and basketball courts. Hours are 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays and 1-9 p.m. Sundays, except during cadet-only hours––from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information on availability, call the Arvin Guard Desk at 938-5125.
If you are interested in lap swimming in Arvin CPDC, contact the FMWR Community Swim Office at 938-2985.”
U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY BAND
(WEST POINT BAND)
The U.S. Military Academy Band traces its roots back more than 200 years. Before the Revolutionary War, fifers and drummers were stationed with companies of minutemen on Constitution Island across the Hudson River from West Point. In 1778, elements of Gen. Samuel Parsons’ Connecticut Brigade crossed the Hudson River and established West Point as a permanent military post. After the American Revolution, Congress disbanded most of the Continental Army, but “the 55 men at West Point,” members of the 2nd Continental Artillery, remained. Among their ranks stood at least one drummer and one fifer who alone maintained the tradition of military music.
With the establishment of the U.S. Military Academy in 1802 came an increased demand for military music. As the academy grew, it needed fifers, drummers and buglers to drill the new cadets and provide an audible order to their duty day. In 1817, the ensemble was named the West Point Band and was performing on a full range of instruments. In 1866, it received the official title of the “U.S. Military Academy Band.”
Today’s band consists of four components: the Concert Band, the Hellcats (the drum and bugle field-music unit), the Jazz Knights and the support staff. These combine to form the Marching Band. As the senior premier musical representative of the Army, the band has appeared at many historic events. It also fulfills all the official musical requirements of the academy, including military and patriotic ceremonies, radio and television broadcasts, public concerts, sporting events and social activities for the U.S. Corps of Cadets and the West Point community.
The U.S. Military Academy Band gives free concerts throughout the year at West Point and in the New York City area. For event information, please call our 24-Hour Hotline at 938-2617 or visit the Web page at www.westpoint.edu/band.
EISENHOWER HALL
Eisenhower Hall, the cadet activities center, was dedicated in 1974. It is named in memory of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, General of the Army and a Class of 1915 U.S. Military Academy graduate.
This 192,000-square-foot complex houses one of America’s premier performing-arts centers. The 4,400-seat theatre produces and presents a variety of live performances each season. The program includes Broadway musicals and plays, internationally recognized orchestras, dance companies and theater ensembles. The theater is host to many celebrities and popular attractions, including rock and roll, country, jazz and comedy. Contact the Eisenhower Hall Theatre Box Office at 938-4159 or go to www.ikehall.com for specific programs and dates.
BUFFALO SOLDIER PAVILION
The Buffalo Soldier Pavilion, located in Bldg. 628, was created to give West Point’s single enlisted Soldiers (E-6 and below) and their guests a place of their own. The center offers them an opportunity to relax in the lounge, shoot pool in the game room and play video games or watch TV in the media room. For more information, call 938-6497.
SHOPPING
Post Exchange
West Point’s Post Exchange is located off Stony Lonesome Road, next to the Commissary. It includes a military clothing sales store, outdoor living and Power Zone (audio/video equipment). For more information, call 446-5404/5405.
Next to the PX are floral, optical, beauty and barber shops, a dry cleaner that also does alterations, a GNC, an art gallery that offers engraving and a Burger King.
The Shoppette/Class Six Store and Auto Service Station are located in Bldg. 1202 at the Commissary/PX complex. Phone 446-3666 for information.
A Subway and a gourmet coffee shop are located in Bldg. 683, next to the FMWR Fitness Center.
The Stewart BX, which includes a dry cleaning and laundry shop, the Sub Shop and a barber shop, is located in Bldg. 271 on the grounds of the former Stewart Army Subpost, approximately 15 miles north of West Point, in New Windsor, N.Y. Phone 564-7600 or 7601.
Commissary
The West Point Commissary provides savings on purchases of food and household items for Soldiers and their families. Built in 1989 and located in Bldg. 1200 near the Stony Lonesome housing area, it is open everyday except Mondays from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and offers a delicatessen, bakery and Value-Mart. The Commissary now accepts WIC (Women, Infant, and Children) checks, Food Stamps, Travelers Checks and personal checks for up to $25 over the amount of purchase. Call 938-FOOD (3663) for information.
Gift Shops
There are four gift shops selling all kinds of West Point memorabilia, books, apparel, mugs and too many other items to list.
The West Point Gift Shop is located in Bldg. 2107
at the Visitors Center. Operating hours are from
9 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Call 446-3085 or go to www.nmnathletics.com for information.
The Daughters of the U.S. Army Gift Shop is located at the West Point Museum in Olmstead Hall. Operating hours are 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Sat. For additional information, call 446-0566 or (800)
890-8253 or go to www.dusagiftshop.org/.
The West Point Association of Graduates Gift Shop is located at the WPAOG – Herbert Hall. Regular operating hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri., but it is also open on football Saturdays and on Graduation Day. For additional information, call 446-1694 or (800) 426-1694 or got to www.westpointgiftstore.com/.
The West Point Women’s Club Gift Shoppe is located in Bldg. 695 as you enter the Old PX parking lot at the north end of the West Point Cemetery. Hours vary, but are often listed in the What’s Happening section of the Pointer View and on the Shoppe Web site at www.shopthepoint.com.
THE WEST POINT CLUB
Membership in the club system is voluntary and open to all military personnel, military retirees and DOD civilians. Membership provides substantial discounts on meals, reduced prices on haircuts, check-cashing privileges, priority reservations for parties, and more.
The West Point Club, located in Bldg. 603, offers lunch Mon.-Fri. from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dinner is served Friday evenings from 5-9 p.m. Family-style breakfast is available Sundays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Social hour is every Thursday and Friday at 4:30 p.m. Banquet rooms are available for private functions, and the catering department can coordinate parties in your home, on the ferry boat or in party facilities. A rental fee will be charged for the use of party facilities. Host your next party at one of our facilities - Class of 49er Lodge, Ski Lodge, Golf Club House and the Train Station.
The West Point Club Barbershop features expert barbers and a convenient central post location inside the lower level of the West Point Club. Services extend to men, women and kids. Walk-ins are welcome and standing appointments are available. Hours are
Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 938-2749.
GRANT HALL
Constructed in 1931 on the site of an early cadet Mess Hall, Grant Hall is named after the President, Civil War general and graduate of the Class of 1843 Ulysses S. Grant. Today the building houses Grant Hall Café as well as Chock Coffee Café. Serving sandwiches, pizzas, Asian cuisine, burgers, Sushi, salads, pastries, desserts and many snack type items, it is open to staff, faculty, cadets and visitors to West Point. Its proceeds return to the Corps of Cadets.
