JBER eyes keeping Buckner, Elmendorf gyms open 24 hours

The Elmendorf Gym and Buckner Physical Fitness Center are scheduled to become 24-hour accessible after January 2018 so the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson community can use the two largest gyms any time.

“We’re really excited to provide a higher level of service and maintain physical fitness for our members on base,” said Josh Grieser, 673d Force Support Squadron Elmendorf Gym director. “There is no date, as of yet, because there are a lot of moving pieces, but the major piece is security.”

To monitor the facilities more efficiently, contractors are installing more security cameras in both gyms. Leadership is currently figuring out how members can access the 24-hour gym; some suggestions are using a Common Access Card or another form of military identification, or a new card system entirely.

“Wing [unit commanders] or designee must … determine if access will be restricted to specific activity areas … and a card-swipe system or similar controls access for registered customers,” according to AFI 34-266. “Surveillance cameras and DVD recording system will document activities within the facility during after-hours use.”

Another big decision is which sections would be open after-hours. The main factor is manning; for example, with only a few lifeguards, who work 40 hours a week, 24-hour pool access wouldn’t work. Additionally, with the expansion of open hours comes the question of what shifts would look like for the military and civilian workers.

“Opening the gyms was initially intended for shift workers such as security forces, [and those who work] on the flightline and in the hospital at night ... so they can keep physically fit,” Grieser said. “It will also be beneficial to have an indoor gym in Alaska during the middle of the night, especially during the winter.”

Hangar 5 and the USO gym are both 24-hour gyms open to anyone with base access, but they do not have staff available for the full 24 hours. They offer a few of the same luxuries such as weight lifting machines, treadmills, and stationary bikes. Hangar 5 has locker rooms, a track and several pull-up/chin-up bars; the USO gym has a yoga room and is close to the dorms.

For more information, call the Buckner PFC at 384-1308 or the Elmendorf Gym at 552-3504.