NOVEMBER 3, 2026 – Picatinny Arsenal’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Directorate celebrated the grand opening of The Picatinny Lodge on Oct. 28, marking the return of a dedicated gathering space designed to strengthen community, camaraderie and quality-of-life opportunities for Arsenal residents, employees, and their guests.
Located in the space formerly known as Bucky’s, The Picatinny Lodge has been reimagined as a welcoming venue for social events, networking, informal gatherings and private functions.
The facility originally opened in 2008 as Bucky’s, an initiative intended to provide a lunchtime eatery and after-work gathering place for the Picatinny community. Although the venue operated for approximately 10 years and hosted a variety of entertainment concepts, participation did not reach the level needed to sustain operations. Bucky’s closed in fiscal year 2019.
“The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and increased remote-work practices left the facility largely unused for the next several years,” said Andrew Ciccolella, Picatinny’s FMWR Director.
In 2026, following the arrival of Picatinny Arsenal’s new commanding general who provided a vision for the space, FMWR began planning for the renovation and reopening of the facility in support of the command’s priority to create a new community gathering place and improve quality-of-life amenities across the installation.
“We thought it was important you, the Picatinny employees, have a place to gather and to celebrate the work that you do,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher D. Schneider, Portfolio Acquisition Executive Agile Sustainment and Ammunition and the Picatinny Arsenal Commanding General. “There’s no better place to do that than at a facility that was in disrepair, falling apart, and looking over this beautiful lake. We challenged the MWR team to come up with a vision so that everybody can use it for themselves, their families, friends, industry partners, sponsors; a place where we can all gather and have a good time.”
Renovation work began June 4 and was completed in time for the Oct. 28 grand opening.
“The project moved from concept to opening in only a few months, a timeline that would normally require about a year for a renovation of this scope,” said Ciccolella.
The accelerated effort was made possible through sponsor support, work performed by the Picatinny Garrison Directorate of Public Works, and the sustained efforts of FMWR employees.
The Picatinny Lodge offers indoor and outdoor spaces intended to accommodate a range of uses, including:
- An outdoor fire-pit area with capacity for up to 40 people
- An outdoor deck with capacity for up to 50 people
- Interior seating and gathering space for up to 60 people
- Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNet) and commercial Wi-Fi
- Three smart televisions with satellite television service
- A full-service bar area
- Catering packages for private events and facility rentals
While the venue has a new identity and service model, it retains ties to its history as Bucky’s. Visitors will find references to the original facility throughout the Lodge, including a dedication plaque, a photo wall and a signature drink named in Bucky’s honor.
The rebranding was an important part of the reopening effort. FMWR determined that the venue’s expanded amenities, revised operating hours and new service style called for a name that better represented its renewed purpose.
The Picatinny Lodge will operate under a membership model intended to help sustain the facility, support extended operating hours and maintain competitive food and beverage pricing. FMWR also expects the membership structure to encourage stewardship of the venue, increase attendance at programs and special events, expand networking opportunities and cultivate a club-like environment centered on shared ownership and community participation.
With its reopening, The Picatinny Lodge provides Picatinny Arsenal with a renewed destination for residents, employees and guests to gather, celebrate and strengthen the connections that support the installation community.
Membership registration can be completed in-person at the MWR Leisure Travel Services office in the Visitor Center. For questions about membership, please contact us at mailto:usarmy.mwrpicatinnyguestservices@army.mil.
Story by Eric Kowal
Picatinny Arsenal