Ribbon Cutting Held for New Fitness Facility

re·sil·ient
Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.

The dream of an indoor facility that can accommodate the needs of Minot Air Force Base has come true with the opening of the new Fitness Center (yet to be given an official name) Dome facility that will officially open on November 15th.

“Today Minot Air Force Base becomes more resilient” said Col. Jesse Lamarand at the official ribbon cutting held on Friday, November 1st. MAFB and civic leaders gathered to cut the ribbon, but some work remains before the official takeover of the facility according to TSgt. Trevor Boutin who is acting Fitness Center section chief.

“Our staff worked with contracting and CE to oversee the bubble getting set up and then to take over the function of it. When that happens it just becomes another piece of equipment. It will host physical activities and intramural sports, and lastly for family use when scheduling allows.”

Looking more like a huge pillow, or as some have jokingly called it, the big marshmallow, the Fitness Center will be year round and climate controlled. Even though the Fitness Center will not officially open until November 15th, TSgt Boutin emphasizes that the facility will be open immediately while the finishing work installing cameras and HVAC systems, “but we are very close” according to Boutin. The operating hours will mirror the other MAFB fitness center, Monday through Friday from 0500 to 2100 and Saturdays and Sundays 0800 to 1600, and on holidays and family days it will be closed. “Once the cameras are installed it will turn into a 24/7 access facility, with access gained through a card system, using a CAC card, or if you don’t have a CAC card, a proxy card, that will unlock the doors. With our dual wings, Minot Air Force Base has a unique mission, so if you so desire you can access the facility even at 3 AM” explains Boutin.

Boutin anticipates the Fitness Center will get a lot of use for squadron PT, but potential activities can be schedule by calling (701) 723-2145. Currently we are going to allow 2 squadrons to use the facility at the same time, basically cutting the field in half.”
There is no question that the new Fitness Dome dominates the skyline of Minot Air Force Base. TSgt. Boutin said that when new airmen are brought into the facility they are mostly speechless. “They look up and see the 87 foot peak of the ceiling and they are thinking about all the potential the facility has especially during the wintertime when it is cold. It’s been a great response from the airmen and the community. A ton of excitement, and a ton of events we plan on hosting here in the future. The sky is definitely the limit.”

The dome is fully insulated, and definitely secure so that it can withstand the elements, including the high winds that frequent Minot Air Force Base.

Even though the new turf at the Fitness Center is blue, it seems to be the right color for a facility on Minot Air Force Base. And even for a base that houses B 52 bombers in expansive facilities, the expanse of the dome will certainly impress those who are stationed here today, and in the future.