Gerrity reopening draws hundreds

  • Published
  • By John Parker
  • Staff Writer
Col. Lea Kirkwood, vice commander of the 72nd Air Base Wing, cut the ribbon Oct. 21 to mark the successful $2 million renovation of Tinker Air Force Base's largest workout facility, the Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center.

The event was part of a grand reopening day with prizes and competitions celebrating the addition of over 2,700 square feet of cardio exercise space and 1,400 square feet added to weight rooms. About 50 people attended the ribbon cutting and hundreds filed through the Gerrity throughout the day.

The colonel said improved basketball flooring, paint schemes, locker room upgrades and new workout equipment were a long time coming. She encouraged military and civilian personnel to take advantage of the enhancements.

"These improvements provide a terrific fitness center for all (big 'A') Airmen to stay fit to execute the mission every day," Colonel Kirkwood said.

The colonel also thanked fitness center staff, 72nd Force Support Squadron and the 72nd Mission Support Group for their work benefiting all of Team Tinker.

The new machines include Bluetooth connectivity and built-in display screens. Weight room additions include a Freemotion strength and resistance trainer and a Matrix cable crossover pulley machine.