Construction of indoor track facility near completion

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affair
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The base fitness center's indoor track facility is currently under construction and is scheduled to be completed by June of this year.
 
The many renovations are being performed by multiple civilian companies.

"We are working with seven companies to complete the renovations on schedule," said Rick Holmes, 366th Force Support Squadron's fitness center director. "These renovations include laying the mezzanine deck, new heating, ventilation and air conditioning capabilities throughout the facility, a canopy overhang outside the front entrance, and new landscaping and concrete masonry on the outside of the building."

The need for renovations was first noticed back in 2006 but construction didn't begin until July 2011 due to funding delays.

"Once we were allocated the necessary funds, construction began but slowly," said Holmes. "Now floor work will determine the actual finish date. Floor work is a slow process because once the concrete is poured it is then ground down and then sealed to prevent moisture from getting in. Finally, the flooring can be laid on top."

The base needs the facility due to its unique climate and location.

"The weather here in Idaho is unpredictable and the wind is vicious, so we need an auxiliary facility to perform physical fitness tests of military personnel," said Holmes. "The large open space on the ground floor will be utilized for large group activities such as such as youth and adult sports clinics, indoor floor hockey and soccer."

The new facility capabilities are intended to improve the quality-of-life for members of the Gunfighter community.

"The facility upgrades will offer Airmen and their families a temperature-controlled place to work out," said Dan Keppler, 366th Civil Engineering Squadron chief of project management. "Even though this is a shorter track on the upper deck, I think people will get a lot of use out of the building's capabilities."

Many additions are specifically designed with Gunfighters in mind.

"There will be a drop down screen installed on the upper deck so people who are testing there are not distracted by the activities below," said Holmes. "This way we are able to keep Gunfighters fit-to-fight assisting base leadership with deploying combat ready Airmen."