Fourth Cliff reopens for season

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Fourth Cliff family recreation facility in Humarock, Mass., opened May 1 for the summer season.

Originally opened as a seasonal facility, Fourth Cliff is a 56-acre seaside resort on the Massachusetts south shore that offers several activities for service members and their families throughout the summer months.

"The staff at Fourth Cliff has done a tremendous job putting the finishing touches on each cabin," said Dale Minnis, Fourth Cliff manager. "The rugs and furniture have been shampooed, painting has been done where necessary and the floors have been detailed."

The facility became seasonal last year due to budgetary restraints. In an effort to continue using Fourth Cliff throughout the busy summer months, the 66th Force Support Squadron chose to close during the least occupied months. This will allow them the opportunity to cover expenses, make a small profit and then drive the profit back into cabin enhancements for future use.

"This was not an easy decision to make but a required one in order to keep Fourth Cliff recreation area viable," said Paul Hartigan, 66 FSS community support flight chief. "Fourth Cliff will offer the same great service as we have in the past."

The staff organized a beach clean-up day, which has become an annual event, to clean the waterfront property for the season.

"On May 12 volunteers will spend the morning raking, mulching, weeding and cleaning up the beach at Fourth Cliff," said Hartigan. "For anyone who volunteers, lunch will be provided."

Officials note that anyone may volunteer from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the cleanup will be May 19.

In addition, Fourth Cliff has several family activities planned throughout the summer.

"One of the activities that customers look forward to is the annual lobster cookout in early August," said Minnis. "We have a DJ who will provide family entertainment every other week as well as an oldies band scheduled over the summer."

Reservations are going quickly, according to Hartigan. An eligibility and reservation policy does limit dates that reservations can be scheduled. To learn more about this, visit their web site at www.hanscomservices.com/FourthCliff.asp.

For more information on Fourth Cliff or to make reservations, call 800-468-9547.