Excavators and small bulldozers plow through an outdoor basketball court as people gather behind the Abrams Physical Fitness Center for a groundbreaking ceremony for the Abrams Outdoor Fitness Park in Fort Cavazos on Oct. 16. There was a sound of destruction.
Funded by the Facilities Management Command, the new facility will include training stations with a variety of training equipment, multi-purpose courts, walking/running tracks and a children’s play area. There is no other facility like this in the Army. The goal of the $2 million facility is to provide families with a place where adults can focus on fitness at their own level while being close to their children.
“[This facility]represents not only our commitment to fitness, but also our dedication to innovation, readiness, and community well-being,” said Col. Laxia Stokes, U.S. Army commander at Fort Cavazos Garrison, during the ceremony. Ta. “Physical fitness has always been the foundation for military readiness and building resilient units, Soldiers, families, and communities. We must evolve our training methods to meet tomorrow’s challenges. This park represents that evolution.
“What makes Abrams Outdoor Fitness Park unique is its holistic approach,” she continued. “This is more than just a place to do strength training or run laps. It’s about creating a space that offers something for everyone in the community: soldiers, families, civilians. We believes that supporting soldiers means supporting their families, and this park reflects that belief. Additionally, the park will serve as a model for Army facilities and the Army’s commitment to fitness for soldiers and families. Demonstrates an advanced approach.”
Brad Pittam, sales director for Compan’s North American Agency Partners, which was contracted to build the new facility, said the company has a 50-year history and is pleased to have them part of the project. said.
“This is a game-changing change for this space,” he says. “It’s underutilized in the community here, and we’re going to turn it into a space that engages the community. We’re trying to create a happier, healthier community, and this (park) is going to be that. I think he will make it happen.”
Summer Inwood, director of sports, fitness and aquatics for the Fort Cavazos Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Directorate, said this groundbreaking event was the culmination of four years of planning, and the facility will be a great place for families to gather. He said it would happen. .
“Military regulations actually prohibit children from entering fitness facilities accompanied by a parent, spouse, or active duty military member, so we really got creative and decided to create an outdoor fitness facility that accommodated our needs. We need to find space,” she said. “This will be that. We will be able to offer a really good training modality, actually some training modalities. Whether it’s group fitness, whether it’s functional fitness, whether it’s CrossFit style. Whether it’s waxing or weight training, these are all features that allow you to bring your child into a safe environment while working out.
Stokes concluded his remarks just before the groundbreaking ceremony by thanking the soldiers and families of Fort Cavazos.
“Your hard work and dedication are what inspire us to introduce facilities like this. It improves both the quality of life at Place,” she said. “This park is for you, a space to push your limits, lift each other up and prepare for the challenges ahead. Today, as we put shovels in the ground, we’re all about fitness, resilience, May it symbolize our unwavering commitment to excellence.”
