Fitness

Workers at the Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center scoop dirt out of holes, which will soon be filled with posts to support a new mezzanine. The second floor is one of several renovations underway. Other plans include a 1,600 square foot addition to the back of the gym, new rubber flooring and a new roof. (Air Force photo by Kelly White)

Under construction: Fitness center getting new mezzanine, other needed improvements

Published Oct. 23, 2014
By Kimberly Woodruff
Staff Writer

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE - Okla. -- Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center, a 46 year old facility is getting an overhaul.
Construction is already underway to expand the facility to better serve the 1,200 to 1,800 daily visitors.

"The updates are a long time coming," said Steve Thomasson, operations director with
the 72nd Force Support Squadron. "We're very lucky to get the funding for this construction project and the new equipment."

The construction project is one that has been on the books awaiting funding, and is now made possible by a $2.2 million donation from the Army Corps of Engineers.

Mr. Thomasson said what makes the project wonderful is the fitness center is open to everyone with base access: active duty military, retirees, their families, civilians, contractors, reservists and anyone with a Department of Defense ID card.

"This place benefits everyone who wishes to use it," he said.

The project will be completed in stages. With the first stage, the center receives a new mezzanine area to house more cardio equipment. Mr. Thomasson said they will also be building on to the north end of the fitness center and that area will be used for free weights. New rubberized floors will be added in the multipurpose room, racketball area and the basketball court. The women's steam room will be redone and, lastly, a new roof will be added on the entire facility.

"With the new additions, and new equipment coming in, no one will have to wait to use equipment, though there will still be a 30-minute time limit on the machines," he said.

Mr. Thomasson said he's most looking forward to the new rubberized floors to ease everyone's mind on injuries. "It hurts less to land on a rubberized floor than to land on concrete," he said.

The newly renovated Gerrity Fitness Center has been projected to be completed in April 2015.

Until then, if people find the construction projects disruptive to their workout, buildings 216 and 3705 are available for all activities. For more information about fitness options, call the Gerrity Fitness Center at 734-5607.