Plans for the Future

Plans for the Future

Franklin Evening Star - 11 August 1945
EXPANSION OF WAKEMAN IS PROGRESSING
Post Building Program Is Reminiscent Of The Early Construction Days Of Center

Construction workers, are bustling around Wakeman Hospital Center in a building program reminiscent of the days when Wakeman was being built. This is particularly true of the convalescent hospital area where a section of conventional Army training camp is being transformed into an ultra modern hospital for both physical and educational reconditioning of patients.

Construction work at the general hospital includes a new telephone building which has been completed, a new clinic building which is practically completed, and an enclosed swimming pool which is scheduled for completion sometime in the near future.

Under construction at the convalescent hospital. where patients weave their way past bull-dozers and dump trucks, are large. steel-framed training gymnasiums and smooth-surfaced outdoor recreation areas which will include volley ball. tennis, basketball and horseshoe courts.

One building is being remodeled for physiotherapy and behind it work is progressing on a big enclosed swimming pool. Two outdoor pools have also been staked out.

Construct New Gyms

Five remedial gyms as well as additional training gyms are being spotted throughout the hospital area. Closely supplementing the gyms in physical reconditioning work will be six new archery ranges, 10 badminton courts, 12 croquet court, six putting greens, a 20-position driving range and an outdoor boxing ring. These have all be contracted for and even more are in the planning stage.

Elaborate provision also is being made for patients' aid. entertaining and recreation. Four buildings will be converted for Red Cross headquarters and recreation, four for quarters and 10 for guest houses.

Build New Theater

There will be a new 1,000-seat theater, three new PXs and three libraries. Another building will be converted for 3 post offices. Also on schedule are a new officers' club, two new service clubs. Each containing six bowling alleys. Five original Buildings will be converted into bowing alleys.

Nearly all the equipment for the new physical reconditioning installations is on hand. Conversion of barracks into wards is well along. Priorities have been set up on all construction so that the buildings most needed will be completed first. The hospital has a high priority for all material and first call on labor.