Photo By Katisha Draughn-Fraguada | 200225-N-UA321-1004 CHESAPEAKE, Va. (Feb. 25, 2020) Shannon Smith works out at the new...... read more read more
When patrons visit the fitness center at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Hampton Roads-Northwest Annex, they will now see a family fitness room that will benefit the entire family.
“Northwest Annex has a large population of military housing, so we put out a survey to the housing community and it was unanimous that over 60 families said they would utilize a family friendly space if available,” said Jody Powers, Athletic Director at NSA Hampton Roads-Northwest Annex. “We thought about the mothers and fathers who live in housing who have spouses who work long hours or are deployed and how we wanted to be able to offer them a space where they could be welcomed.”
The MWR staff at NSA Hampton Roads-Northwest Annex and the maintenance team completed the work on the project, which began in December 2019 and was complete in mid-February. The ribbon was cut on the facility on Feb. 25, making it officially open for families.
“I think this center will be so beneficial for our families here at Northwest Annex, as well as those in our neighboring communities,” said LCDR Luz Davis, Officer-in-Charge at NSA Hampton Roads-Northwest Annex. “Our MWR team did a fantastic job on this project and they really made their vision come to life with this center.”
Shannon Smith, who lives in base housing, has always been active, but found it challenging to continue to work out after she had her son, Carson. The new family fitness room will allow her to work out and bring her son with her in a comfortable environment.
“This is great because I can work out and keep my eyes on him and have him close to where I am,” she said. “It is super convenient.”
The project consisted of converting an existing over-sized lobby/check-in area into the current space which now houses the kids area and workout equipment to include two treadmills, two cross-trainers, one upright bike, two benches to go along with dumbbells up to 25 pounds, and resistance bands and tubes. There is also an open floor space and mats to allow for core training.
To achieve this new look and space, the team removed the old carpet, painted the walls, replaced ceiling tiles, demolished a huge wooden desk, laid down rubber flooring, moved in cardio/strength equipment, installed dividers for the children’s area, installed two 65” televisions, added in a coat/diaper bag hanging section, collected toys and kids furniture from donations/purchases, created family fitness rules and signage based on Commander, Navy Installations Command guidelines, added in baby changing stations, and created a family workout-of-the-day binder.
“The new space will help us better serve our patrons by expanding and being more inclusive for families who live in base housing, but also in the neighboring areas,” said Powers. “Before, if you didn’t have someone to watch your child and were a single parent or home while your spouse was working or deployed, it could be a challenge logistically and financially for you to drive into town to workout. Now we are within walking distance of base housing and a close drive for the neighboring communities in Chesapeake and Moyock, NC.”
The fitness center currently services approximately 5,000 to 6,000 patrons per month, with close to 200 per day. Powers said that they hope to increase their numbers to 25 to 50 patrons per day.
“What is also great about this center is that the parents can communicate and spend time with their children while also modeling the positive lifestyle choice of exercise,” he said. “We think this will be an opportunity to build memories.”
The family fitness room is open to those with base access from Monday-Friday from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parents can reserve one hour per day and walk-ins are welcome. The center is geared towards children six weeks to 17 years old, with children ages 10-17 being able to work out with their parents. For additional information on the center, please call 757-421-8287.
| Date Taken: | 03.02.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 03.02.2020 22:23 |
| Story ID: | 364341 |
| Location: | CHESAPEAKE, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 474 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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