Physical fitness center set to add two pools

  • Published
  • By Air Force Tech Sgt. Raymond Mills
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson broke ground July 23, 2013, in preparation for construction of a 50,000-square foot addition to the Buckner Physical Fitness Center. Finally, the project is nearing completion.

The additions, which began in 2013, were paid for by a military construction project which began in 2005.

A study conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers concluded the Buckner Physical Fitness Center was too small, according to Army standards, to adequately support projected personnel needs.

New additions will consist of an indoor running track, climbing wall, recreational pool, cardio area, free weights, and basketball and volleyball courts.

"The project is slated to be completed by February 2015, but may not open for several months afterward due to delays, necessary inspections and installation of equipment by Buckner staff," said Jonathan Barnes, Buckner Physical Fitness Center maintenance manager.

Upon completion, the new additions will be open to active duty, retirees, their families and their guests.

The expansion will provide a convenient state-of-the-art fitness center for those who maintain an active lifestyle throughout the year.

"This will give all military members and their families another fun activity to take advantage of while stationed on JBER, especially during the long winter season, when a lot of people just want to stay inside, keep warm and be inactive," Barnes said.

Although the fitness center provides an excellent opportunity for family members to stay active and have fun, service members will also see benefits to fitness and readiness in part due to installation of a new pool.

Exercising in the pool provides a great full-body workout, while minimizing stress and impact on the body, according to John Limón, Health and Wellness Center exercise physiologist.

In addition to fitness, maintaining enough pools to support JBER personnel also supports JBER commanders' priorities, which include preparing and sustaining the warfighter while addressing resiliency and the care and wellbeing of family members.

Pools regularly aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of injured personnel, allowing them to exercise needed areas without risk of further injury due to unneeded stress on affected areas, said Limón.

In addition to the fitness and medical benefits, the pools are a critical training resource for some service members.

Airmen and Soldiers often use swimming pools for various training scenarios - like water landings and drown-proofing - in an effort to further training within their specific skillset.