Official getaway spot offers recreational services for SOFA personnel

Jet ski rentals are among the many popular activities at the Okuma Joint Services Recreation Center. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Corey A. Blodgett).

Lance Cpl. Corey A. Blodgett

OKUMA, Okinawa (July 11, 2008) -- Whether planning a day or a week of fun in the sun or simply some rest and relaxation, one place to consider is the Okuma Joint Services Recreation Center.

"We provide a necessary getaway for military members and their families during their stay on Okinawa," said David Harris, the deputy commander of Okuma. "They deserve any breaks they can get, and Okuma is the perfect place with all the activities and opportunities we have to offer."

Situated in the northern part of Okinawa on the tip of the Okuma peninsula, the 135-acre military recreation facility is equipped for fun, and is open to all Status of Forces Agreement personnel.

"You are never bored at Okuma, there are a lot of things to do," said Cpl. Mwenya Mundende, the Camp Kinser Single Marine Program president, who visited Okuma with a group of Marines and sailors June 20-22.

With beaches on both sides of the facility, guests can enjoy a number of water activities including jet skiing, kayaking, wake boarding and banana boat rides.

"The jet skis were the biggest hit," said Mundende, speaking for the group he was with.

Guests can also enjoy underwater fun while scuba diving or snorkeling in the reefs surrounding Okuma. If needed, gear can be rented on site for a daily fee.

In addition to the water activities, the center also boasts the Speedway Go Kart Racetrack which is open daily during the summer. There are tennis and basketball courts, batting cages, a nine-hole executive golf course, and a putt-putt golf course.

When not having fun in the sun, the Surfside Restaurant and Wave Runner Lounge offers a chance to come indoors to relax for a meal or socialize at the bar.

"With so many activities it's almost impossible to do everything in a single day," Mundende said. "The best bet for everyone is to stay for at least one night."

The facility offers a variety of sleeping quarters for patrons, including camp sites, log cabins, bungalows, even suites and a brand new private beach cottage.

The sleeping accommodations are catered to all budgets; ranging from $10-a-night campsites to the $165-a-night private cottage with convenient beach access.

With all the center has to offer, Okuma is "definitely worth going to and worth every penny," Mundende said.

For more information and directions to the Okuma Joint Services Recreation Center, call 632-4386 or visit http://www.kadenaservices.com/okuma/indexopen.html.

The Okuma Joint Services Recreation Center is located at the tip of the Okuma peninsula that stretches into the clear, blue East China Sea. With beaches on either side of the facility, guests can enjoy a number of activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, wake boarding and banana boat rides; or just relax under a beach umbrella. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Corey A. Blodgett).