New Fairchild Fitness Center on track

Published Sept. 15, 2011
By Scott King
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Construction of the new Fairchild Fitness Center started in September 2010 and has been steadily coming to life ever since. It is scheduled to be completed and open for patrons in early 2012.

The $19.7 million project was necessary because the current fitness center was originally constructed as an unheated, wood warehouse in 1943, it wastes energy and is very costly to maintain.

Among other amenities, the new fitness center will house an aquatics center, basketball and racquetball courts, weight and cardio rooms, an area for group exercise, the Health & Wellness Center and a 1/8 mile indoor running track.

"The project is going very well at this point," said Mike Harper, 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron construction manager. "With oversight by the Army Corps of Engineers, Lydig Construction has been keeping the project on schedule. It is 63 percent complete and moving along at a feverish rate for completion."

The exterior portions of the building including the brick masonry and roofing are complete. Exterior windows and translucent wall panels are currently being installed to close in the new facility. The majority of the interior framing is complete with drywall finishes. Other interior finishes including wall and floor tiles are just beginning.

Basketball equipment is presently being installed in the gym. The indoor pool is taking shape with all ceramic tile work being competed. The remaining HVAC, electrical and other utility systems work is underway. Exterior work including pavements, sprinkler system and landscaping will started this week.

"I think everybody using the new facility will enjoy just about every aspect of it," Harper said. "I think a highly used and very popular aspect of it will be the new 1/8 mile indoor running track that is elevated above the fitness equipment and basketball courts on the main floor. There will be a window system around the outside of the running track that will provide a more aesthetically pleasing atmosphere while running."

The new facility will also be completely climate-controlled for year-round use. In the winter the old facility was difficult to heat and in the summer there was no air conditioning.

The 92nd Force Support Squadron Fitness Center manager, John Gahagan, is anxious to get it open for use.

"This is going to be an awesome building, he said. "The track & mezzanine are key features of the new facility plus the runners will have a great view of lower level space from above - it's a very attractive set up. Users will also love the air conditioning as well as the huge open space design. They will also like the flow and quick access from one exercise area to another - it's indeed very impressive and puts the base a cut above other fitness facilities."