Customer questions on new gym answered

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Lisa Spilinek
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Hanscom's new Fitness and Sports Center has seen a high volume of customer traffic since its opening Sept. 5. 

While patrons are enjoying the new facility's more than 50,000 square feet size and numerous amenities, questions regarding certain aspects of the new gym have been posed by customers to Fitness Center staffers. 

Terry Hathaway, 66th Services Squadron Combat Flight chief, provided the Hansconian the following list of questions and answers regarding gym usage. Look in next week's Hansconian for part two of this article. 

Question: What are the hours of operation at the Fitness and Sports Center? 
Answer: The Fitness and Sports Center is open Mondays through Fridays from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Question: Why can't I wear my street sneakers into the gym? 
Answer: We are requesting that everyone bring a pair of sneakers with them to change into after they enter the Fitness and Sports Center. Even small amounts of dirt on street shoes can cause scratches on the wood floors. Dirt particles can also get down into the workings of the weight and cardio equipment, which shortens their life spans. We are also restricting the use of black sole shoes on the hardwood floors. The facility has been open for one week and there are already black marks on the racquetball courts. 

Question: Where can I park? 
Answer: There are three recommended parking areas: the parking lot behind the Base Library near Field 4, the parking lot located near Hanscom Lanes, the Fitness and Sports Center and the Shopette buildings, and along Marrett Street by the Tennis Bubble. 

Question: Can my child use the Fitness and Sports Center? 
Answer: Children younger than 16 may use the facility when accompanied and supervised by a parent or legal guardian. Interactive supervision means that the parent is with the child at all times, either working out with them or next to them. Children are not allowed to use facilities in rooms separate from their parents. Children may not supervise other underage siblings or guests. 

Question: Can I use the Climbing Wall? 
Answer: Yes, but first we need to make sure you will be safe climbing it. The first step is to attend a training session offered on Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m. Participants should sign up for a class at the front desk. Once you have been trained, you and a trained Wingman may use the wall. Even though you will be using a self belaying system, we will require that you have a Wingman to ensure your safety. 

Question: Can my child use the Climbing Wall? 
Answer: Eventually -- once we get settled, Fitness and Sports Center personnel will work with the Youth Center to offer climbing classes to children. The Fitness and Sports Center staff is not trained to work with children. 

Question: How do I make reservations for the Racquetball Courts? 
Answer: Patrons may reserve the racquetball or tennis courts up to 24 hours in advance. Active-duty servicemembers may call after 9 a.m. the day before use to reserve for an hour; all others may call after 10 a.m. Patrons may call the Fitness and Sports Center at (781) 377-3639 to see if courts are available. 

Question: Why do we have to put towels on the equipment and clean them after use? Answer: Fitness and Sports Center patrons must take these precautions to prevent the spread of disease and germs