Anvil Field opens for Soldier training, community play

Photo By Chuck Cannon | A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Feb. 24 for Fort Polk's new artificial turf field christened Anvil Field. The facility provides an improved surface for Soldiers taking the Army Combat Fitness Test and a mud-free environment for soccer, football and other events, such as the installation's annual Louisiana Hayride.  

FORT POLK, LA, UNITED STATES

02.28.2020

Story by Chuck Cannon 

Fort Johnson Public Affairs Office

FORT POLK, La. — The ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of Anvil Field, the new turf field next to the Home of Heroes Recreation Center, took place Feb. 24.
Brig. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk commanding general, said as Soldiers ran past the field over the last few months during physical training they witnessed a transformation.
Frank said the field used to be an old beat up block with a PT field that had all sorts of depressions that could have caused injuries to Soldiers.
“It was a pretty rough field. What we see now is a state of the art platform for our Soldiers to get ready for the Army Combat Fitness Test, PT and combat. It’s unbelievable,” he said.
Frank said garrison command is working out the details of putting a second turf field on the Southern end of Fort Polk.
“We would like to have two PT fields for our Soldiers as they continue to forge the warrior spirit here at JRTC and Fort Polk,” he said.
Frank said in addition to Soldier training, the field would be available for off duty activities.
“Soldiers are going to be drawn to this field like a magnet. There will be all sorts of pick up games out here including soccer, flag football and more. It will just be Soldiers enjoying a little bit of camaraderie and fun at Anvil Field,” he said. “That’s what this thing was designed for, both professional and personal use to ensure our Soldiers have a better quality of life.”
Randy Behr, Fort Polk Sports, Fitness and Aquatics chief, said Anvil Field is a game changer.
“As far as the ACFT, this field was built for speed. It will help give us some good scores,” he said.
Behr said the turf is built on two inches of sand combined with two inches of rubber that makes for a smooth and comfortable surface that is built to last.
“There is even a professional drainage system set up underneath the field to combat Louisiana rains and keep the field in good condition,” he said.
Behr said though Soldiers have priority when it comes to use of the field for training purposes, it is also a field that the community can use.
“There will be a lot of different things going on here. We even have new LED lights so Soldiers can play on the field for extended hours. I think it’s going to be the highlight of Fort Polk,” he said.
Scott Richards, Life Cycle Construction Services project manager, said this is the eighth field his company has completed for Army Installation Management Command at installations across the country.
Richards said there is a huge sense of appreciation knowing they are creating a facility that is second to none for the Soldiers and Families of Fort Polk.
“We are proud of this field,” he said. “I’ve also been impressed with the support of MWR and Fort Polk command through every stage of the process. They have worked with us and gone above and beyond to make this field a reality.”
Louis Acheampong, 5th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment, is a member of the Fort Polk Football Club. The soccer team plays against college level soccer teams in the Alexandria Premier League. They recently won second place in a tournament and brought their trophy’s to show off and share with those in attendance at the ribbon cutting. Then they showcased some of their soccer moves on the new turf.
Acheampong said it is a beautiful field and smooth enough for them to run and play with ease and speed.
“We hope to be able to do all of our practices here, as well as have a pick up game for fun and stress relief once in a while, but we know it is going to be popular,” he said.
For more information call 531-9710.

• Date Taken: 02.28.2020
• Date Posted: 02.28.2020 11:53
• Story ID: 364130
• Location: FORT POLK, LA, US