Fitness center HVAC renovations underway Published Dec. 15, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Les Waters 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Renovations are underway to improve the heating ventilation and air conditioning systems in both gymnasiums at the base fitness center. The contractor, which began renovations Nov. 30, is currently working on court #1 (furthest from the lobby) and is scheduled to complete the first phase by March 1, 2010. Renovations will start immediately on the second court once phase one is complete. All work should finish by the first part of May. "The contractor has 240 days to complete the project" Ed Hood, 4th Forces Support Squadron fitness and sports center director said. "Mandatory electrical work required the work to start on court #1." Mr. Hood said only one court will be available during renovations and scheduling priority will be based on fitness assessments, fitness improvement classes, unit physical training, intramural sports, varsity sports and pick-up games. "The biggest impact will be those on the lower end of the priority list - pick-up games and varsity sports practices will be difficult to schedule," he said. "Additionally, units must share floor time and space." Units should continue to request reservations as done in the past by calling the front desk. Fitness center personnel are aware of the new Air Force fitness testing program starting in July and know this will cause increased PT requests. The fitness center staff will do their best to accommodate reservation requests while ensuring the scheduling priority is followed. "We are doing our best to give members as much court time as possible, especially during inclement weather," said 1st Lt. Jenna Mirandette, 4th FSS fitness and sports center officer in charge. "If I'm teaching aerobics that requires little equipment and only five members come to the class, I will definitely leave the rest of the court open for other units or members who want to do a separate workout. If the entire court is booked for a larger fitness improvement class such as circuit training, I encourage members to join in the class. We offer at least 15 classes a week, but many times individuals and units do not take advantage of these classes taught by certified instructors." Fitness center patrons are asked to remain out of the renovation area for safety purposes and to help prevent delays in completing the project. "The area in which the contractor is working is off limits to everyone," Mr. Hood said. There was no HVAC in either court in the past, except for heat in court #1 and exercise classes were often cancelled due to unsafe conditions. "Once completed, both multi-use courts will provide a comfortable temperature-controlled environment for physical fitness and sports," he said. New bleachers will also be installed in court #1 after the HVAC work is complete and should take approximately 10-15 days.