RICHMOND, VA –
Paul Henry, an electrician for Defense Logistics Agency Installation Management at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia, seemed like a kid in the candy store as he moved from one piece of equipment to another inside the Fitness Center on DSCR. Working out there is something he hasn’t been able to do since it was shut down in early spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Henry, toting an oversized water bottle and proudly sporting a Virginia Commonwealth University mask, was one of a handful of people who took advantage of the DSCR Fitness Center, which resumed operations Nov. 4.
He said reopening was the right decision.
“I am comfortable as long as I protect myself,” he said.
The Fitness Center, formally located in Bldg. 33, temporarily moved to the Community Center, affectionally referred to as “The Barn,” due to plans to demolish building 33 as part of the construction plans for phase 2 of the DLA Aviation Operations Center. In addition, a new Fitness Center is under construction in bldg. 32, F and G Bays. Once the new Fitness Center construction is completed, the facility will transition out of the Barn and into its permanent location at bldg. 32. Projected completion of the new Fitness Center in building 32 is late 2021/early 2022.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fitness Center is operating under a limited capacity and with additional precautions. David Gibson, site director, DLA Installation Management Richmond, said you must make reservations in order to use the facility and these reservations will be prioritized into two categories: active duty military personnel, who can make an reservation up to two business days in advance, and all other personnel, who will be allowed make an reservation up to one business day in advance.
Time slots will be in 50 minutes increments and begin at the top of each hour. He said it’s also important to note that only one reservation can be made, per person, at a time and no more than three reservations per person per week will be authorized.
In addition to the reservation process and limiting the use of the facility to 10 people at any given time, Gibson said 6-feet social distancing, sanitizing procedures, temperature checks and the wearing of face masks when not actively engaged in a fitness activity, will be strictly enforced. Staff will also be providing first time users a 3-minute training on current procedures.
Those individuals who have made reservations should plan on arriving at the facility already dressed out in fitness attire because changing in and out of workout gear on site will not be permitted. Daily locker use will be available, but must they be cleared out at the end of the day.
Jermaine Edwards, a supervisory sports specialist for DLA Installation Management Richmond, said patrons must bring their own towels as this service will not be provided. He said showers and water fountains will not be available, so patrons will need to bring their own hydration source.
The hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed Sundays.
To make a reservation, please call 804-279-3371 or 804-279-4198 during operating hours.