Fitness center reminds patrons to hand carry gym shoes Published Dec. 5, 2012 By Sarah Olaciregui 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- To help preserve Fitness and Sports Center equipment, floors and courts, 66th Force Support Squadron officials want to remind patrons to hand carry their athletic shoes to the facility. "In the last year, budget constraints have reduced the custodial support to the fitness center," said Meaghan Meyers, 66 FSS Sustainment Services Flight chief. "Currently, custodial service only takes place once a day during the week and once on Saturdays." Although an operating instruction on hand carrying in shoes was issued last year, fitness center staff say it's especially important to abide by the guidance in winter and spring months when dirt, salt and ice melt cause deterioration to the court and floor surfaces, as well as gets into the cardiovascular equipment, causing equipment failures. Additionally, reduction of funding for equipment maintenance has caused FSS officials to take extra steps to preserve the equipment. This summer, staff started reminding patrons to hand carry their workout shoes to assist them in keeping the facility clean. "It was a soft approach, but one where each day we reminded our opening, noontime and afternoon patrons and our PT units," said Meyers. "With the approach of winter, we're implementing a stronger push to inform patrons." It's also important to note that hand carrying athletic shoes is a common industry practice across fitness centers in New England, according to Meyers. The complete operating instruction, called FSSOI 34-266-07, is posted at the fitness center. The instruction applies to all personnel who use the fitness center and is in accordance with AFI 34-266. For further information, call 781-225-6630.