Registration begins for after-hours fitness center access

  • Published
  • By Jasmine Porterfield
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Eglin Fitness Center personnel are now registering patrons for after-hours access for when the facility transitions to 24-hour operations Dec. 21.

The change is an Air Force initiative to expand fitness services beyond traditional operating hours.

"This initiative is especially helpful for those working longer or night shifts like emergency response and security forces Airmen," said Staff Sgt. Jeff Aldridge, 96th Force Support Squadron fitness supervisor. "We don't want work schedules to deter people from getting a work out in."

Authorized patrons are active duty, military members and dependents 18 years and older, all appropriated and non-appropriated Department of Defense ID card holders, and retirees and dependents, 18 years and older.

During the registration process, personnel will have to sign a statement of understanding/waiver form to receive the card.  The access card is issued to the user and the user only - no guests are allowed. Cards are time-stamped by security cameras when used to ensure rules and regulations are adhered to, as the center will not be staffed after-hours. Those who abuse the privilege could have their supervisor notified and even have their access revoked, depending on the severity of the misconduct, said Aldridge.

"If you come in, follow the rules, and clean up after yourself.  This initiative will be something all of us can benefit from," he said. "This is part of Fit to Fight - we're promoting fitness."

Registration is available to patrons at the Eglin Fitness Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.