Fitness Center upgrades, offers more

  • Published
  • By Dan Galindo
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  If you've been to the fitness center recently, it's not likely you've missed it. A shiny, new basketball court is one of several upgrades and additions aimed at improving your workout experience.

Hurricane Wilma is partly to "thank" for the three and half month project to replace the former, 14-year-old court. The basketball court was replaced via a large, Hurricane Wilma project for General Building Repairs at an estimated cost of $130,000. Water had damaged the foundation of the wood, even causing some of the planks to curl-up as much as nine inches along the edge of the gym.

Spot repairs are not very effective on wood flooring, according to 482nd Civil Engineering Squadron personnel, hence the removal and replacement of the entire wood floor system.

Unlike the previous court, visitors will see three new logos, including a large "Support Our Troops" ribbon at center court.

"During the planning stages, the Contractor, Civil Engineering and Services worked closely together to design and furnish a gym floor which would be appreciated by all of the Fitness Center's customers," said David Kattler, the project engineer for the endeavor.

"This collective teamwork and brainstorming produced the idea for the 'Support Our Troops' ribbon," he said. "This represents the Wing's admiration for all who are in the service of our country, regardless of what uniform that they may wear."

The weight and cardio rooms also saw additions of four new weight machines and three treadmills, respectively.

"The new treadmills do cut down on the waiting time when the cardio room is full," said Mr. Herb Tiedemann, the fitness, sports and recreation director for the 482nd Services Squadron. "Also, the weight machines don't require a spotter and help people use proper form, safely."

While Services had the court replaced due to damage, Tiedemann says that other additions are likely to come.

"We certainly want to remove the older equipment," he said. "Some things are 13 years old or more, but we're trying to make improvements and get new equipment every year."