Buckner Physical Fitness Center scheduled to open spring 2016

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Javier Alvarez
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  A lone patron approaches the Buckner Physical Fitness Center on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

He proceeds with caution after hearing renovations to the gym have been underway for the past few years. But upon entering the facility, nothing seems out of place. Might this suggest the additions are nearing completion?

The BPFC is scheduled for completion in spring 2016; Additions to the fitness center will expand the 87,000 square-foot facility by an additional 36,720 square feet.

Groundbreaking began in 2013, and it was scheduled to open in 2015, but complications with weather and water access delayed the project.

"Harsh winters since 2013 have delayed construction," said William Leider, quality assurance representative for the Army Corps of Engineers. "The ground froze early and froze hard, which [led to further] delays. There were some [complications when] getting the sewer and water lines to the building."

While there may have been time delays, there were minimal changes to the original plan and cost, Leider said.

Minimal changes to the BPFC will lead gym goers to experience the original product contractors and engineers envisioned when renovations were first conceived. Renovations will further allow for a larger audience to reach their fitness goals.

"The renovations will bring some necessary additions to the fitness center weight room," said John Limon director at Buckner. "We are severely limited by the amount of equipment we can fit in the space we have. Currently ... our weight room has a maximum capacity of roughly 70 people. By our best estimate, when our new fitness space is open, we will have roughly 300 to 350 people in there to do a workout."

There have been few interruptions to gym functions throughout the renovation process, Limon said.

The BPFC additions are intended for more than just an ordinary gym experience.

"In terms of fitness, our equipment layout and our scheme are oriented toward military human performance," Limon said. "We are geared toward making the fighting force better performing rather than [building a place for] somebody to lift weight and look good. You can do that too, but we are very focused on the mission."

"The focus of this new [pool] is family recreation," Leider said. "There's a waterslide, lazy river, a diving board, a wave pool. There is also a play feature that shoots water like a water gun."

While family recreation was a consideration with respect to pool design, the new pool area will also help with physical rehabilitation.

"There are parts dedicated for wounded warriors," Leider said. "There's a [motorized] chair [which lowers people] into the pool. They can float, and they can swim and build the strength back into their body."

"[The lazy river section ...] has a current," Limon said. "We [plan] to put Airmen and Soldiers there who are rehabilitating from leg and lower-body injuries. They [will be able to perform] weight-assisted walking or jogging against the current. They can work those muscles without getting that load."

Further additions to the fitness center include an indoor running track, rock-climbing wall, basketball court, volleyball court and pull-up bars. Three baseball/softball fields, a multi-purpose field and additional parking area are being built in coordination with the fitness center additions across the street.

"We are expecting a 50-percent increase in patronage per day," Limon said. "On weekends, it could very well double. Department of Defense ID card holders are able to use the facility. Each card holder may sign in two guests."