Family room renovations facilitate better child safety

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shanda L. De Anda
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Bellamy Fitness Center's Family Fitness Room reopened its doors to the Ellsworth community Feb. 6 after being closed for renovations. 

Although the family fitness room opened to provide parents with a place to workout with children, it's also representative of the services squadron's commitment to the Air Force priority of developing and caring for Airmen and their families while ensuring readiness. Simply having a room, however, was not enough for the 28th Services Squadron - they went above and beyond. The squadron's mission includes providing combat support worldwide and community service to Ellsworth. 

With a combat-ready, fitness focus, "the family fitness room was originally opened to provide parents with small children a place to workout," said Carey Karger, 28th Services Squadron Fitness Center director. "It gives parents a lot more flexibility to exercise ... now they don't have to depend on finding a babysitter or paying for child care." 

Although the room satisfied its purpose, the converted racquetball court with workout equipment, a few play pens and toys, left a lot to be desired and created the potential for injuries as a result of safety hazards. Customers' input and services commitment to the Ellsworth community contributed to the recent renovations. 

"Renovations are due in part to feedback, but also an initiative by the services community across the Air Force to afford parents the same opportunity to workout as everyone else," said Maj. Patrick Whelan, 28th SVS commander. 

"Renovations also give families a private room so they feel safe and (fitness center staff can) maintain the same level of services as in the rest of the facility." 

Renovations included general improvements such as the widening of doors, and the installation of a clear, shatterproof plastic partition to divide the workout and play area in the room. 

"The renovations will provide a safe place for children while their parents workout," said Ms. Karger. "A wider door was also installed to let more light into the room so it doesn't feel so closed in."
 
Changes are anticipated to increase room use, which previously enjoyed a steady flow of 15 to 20 children and their parents on a weekly basis. The Kid Zone, which can accommodate six children at one time, offers a safe place for children to play while parents enjoy a selection of equipment that provide a full workout. 

"The room has several pieces of cardio machines such as treadmills, cross trainers and bikes," said Ms. Karger. "We also put a (new) universal machine in the room for strength training; it has exercises for every major muscle group." 

This family fitness room, which first opened in 2006, demonstrates services dedication to the needs of Ellsworth's diverse families, but making needed renovations a reality took the base community's commitment. 

"It was a challenge getting money in these lean funding times,' said Major Whelan. "We feel very fortunate to have gotten this funded and owe thanks to the Officers' Spouses Club and for donating money for children's toys and safety equipment." 

The addition of safety equipment, however, does not eliminate the need for parents to supervise children at all times while in the facility. But use of the room implies parents are willing to make this concession for the opportunity to marry fitness goals with a family-friendly environment. 

"We are doing everything we can to make our customer service better and when we succeed we know we're helping families and the Air Force mission," said Major Whelan. "The biggest reward (in accomplishing these renovations) is knowing we're continually making our service better." 

For more information about the family room or other fitness-related services, call 385-2266.