Wright-Patterson gyms reopen for active duty service members

As Wright-Patterson Air Force Base moves forward with Phase 1 reopenings, two base fitness centers will open for limited use beginning May 26.

The Jarvis and Wright-Field Fitness Centers will open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for active-duty patrons only. Both facilities will close for one hour in the morning and afternoon for deep cleaning by facility staff.

It’s a move that required significant coordination with the medical community who did on-site assessments of the facilities.

“The 88th Force Support Squadron worked closely with Public Health to devise a comprehensive plan to safely reopen the two centers on Tuesday,” said Col. Paul Burger, 88th Mission Support Group commander. “For Phase I and Phase II, usage for the facilities will be for active-duty only.”

To maintain adherence to social-distancing guidelines, there will be a 60-patron limit at Wright Field and a 40-patron limit at Jarvis. Patrons will have to sign in and out and are required to wear a mask and maintain 6-foot distancing upon entering and when interacting at customer service areas.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Those that are in the gyms need to adhere to social-distancing guidelines of 12 feet in fitness areas and 6 feet in customer service areas.

• Basketball courts are limited to one person per hoop with personally owned ball.

• The indoor track, racquetball courts, locker rooms, showers, sauna areas, group exercise rooms, cycling room and the functional fitness room remain closed.

• Equipment for personal use, such as resistance bands, jump ropes and mats, are not available.

People will be refused entry into the facility if they have a new or worsening cough, have had a fever in the previous 24 hours, have shortness of breath or have been in contact with anyone with these symptoms or anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the previous 14 days.

“When patrons come to the centers, they must remember to come in their fitness gear as they will not be able to change in the facility,” said Burger. “Based on a solid risk-mitigation plan, we are very happy to open these facilities to our community once again.”

For more information, please call Wright Field at 904-9381 or Jarvis at 257-4469.

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