Fitness options abound during Gerrity renovation Published Jan. 16, 2015 By John Parker Staff Writer TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The main basketball court at the Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center is the latest, although temporary, casualty in its $2.2 million ongoing makeover. T he home of the Tinker Hawks was closed Monday to allow painting and renovation crews to resurface the court and dress it up in Air Force blue and silver. The interim change is one of several for Gerrity users to accommodate the upgrades. It will all pay off this spring when the construction is complete. Meanwhile, there are options to keep working out until then. Gerrity has two basketball courts, the main arena and the secondary court in the multipurpose room. The spare court temporarily holds strength equipment and machines, which were moved there while the weight room is renovated. Sports and Fitness Director Pat Griffin said basketball fans can still use the two outdoor courts in the southwest quadrant of the dorms, even though they'll probably need to dress warmly for a while. The main basketball court is tentatively scheduled to reopen Feb. 23, which will allow the intramural basketball season to begin, Ms. Griffin said. Prospective teams should sign up early by emailing her at patricia.griffin.1@us.af.mil, she said. Upgrades underway include rubberizing the secondary basketball court, resurfacing the racquetball court (which will close soon for work) and restoring the former women's steam room. A near doubling of the mezzanine space for cardio started last month, which made those workout machines unavailable until further notice. However, Corie Wells, 72nd Force Support Squadron Fitness and Support director, said cardio fans can use equipment at Bldgs. 3705 and 216 for their needs. Wells also said plenty of fitness options remain open at Gerrity. They include free weights, strength machines and classes, which may meet in different locations during renovations. Wells recommends that individuals call the center, 734-5607, to check on class times and locations. Up to 1,800 visitors a day use the 46-year-old Gerrity Fitness Center. Renovations also include adding space to the north end of the building and a new roof. The work is scheduled to be complete by April. Where do I work out now? During renovations and closings, the Gerrity Fitness Center staff recommends taking advantage of cardio equipment at fitness Bldgs. 3705 and 216. Exercisers can get 24-hour access by registering their common access cards at the workout spot of their choice.