Groundbreaking: Building begins on fitness facility

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Charles Rivezzo
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Construction crews broke ground earlier this month on an all-new outdoor Functional Fitness Area that is scheduled to be complete sometime this summer.

Located behind the current fitness center, the 7,200 square-foot open-air facility, known as "The Jungle", is slated to provide the necessary workout space for personnel to use free-weights, kettle bells, rack systems and medicine balls in order to participate in High Intensity Training programs, according to Fitness Center officials.

The new facility is also projected to feature occupancy lighting, a privacy fence, impact wall and conduit for future communication and audio visual upgrades.

"What we really wanted to provide a cutting-edge facility to our servicemembers, their families and retirees," said Barbara Green, an Air Force fitness specialist. "We found that the trend among numerous service members is functional fitness training or combat fitness training, but up until recently, we just didn't have the funding necessary to accommodate that type of fitness program.

"However with the construction of the new outdoor fitness facility, we are able to provide that cutting-edge style of fitness to our members."

The $716,000 project came to fruition in recent months, as Travis officials were able to leverage funds awarded to the installation for its recognition as Air Mobility Command's 2014 Commander-In-Chief Installation Excellence Award and runner-up finish at the Air Force level.

"This project was made possible through community vote," said Dean Fazzio, 60th Force Support Squadron fitness center director. "The facility adds much needed space and was voted in by Travis community and it's gratifying to see these award-winning funds put toward the Fitness Center."

Fazzio added that outdoor running track has most all of the area available for use, however, patrons of the fitness center are being asked to ensure their safety when exercising in proximity of the construction site.

Periodic updates will be made on the status of the facility and programs being offered as the construction project moves forward.

For questions concerning the construction, please contact the Engineering Flight at 424-3464.