U.S Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Davis, 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron sports and fitness section chief, stands beside the Blatchford-Preston Complex Gym door on Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, 16 July 2022, showcasing the sign that says "Exciting changes are in the works". Davis helped make many of the important decisions on what kind of materials and equipment was selected for the gym renovation project, set to conclude April 2023. (U.S Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dana Tourtellotte)
The Blatchford-Preston Complex Gym on Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, 19 July 2022, is undergoing renovations both functional and aesthetic. The renovations have included a new rubberized track and a turf soccer field behind the gym with all renovations have been set to conclude April 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dana Tourtellotte)
Major renovations to the Blatchford-Preston Complex Gym are presently underway as part of a phased project which is projected to conclude April 2023.
The goal of the renovation is the implementation of long lasting and high-quality materials to meet the fitness needs of Airmen and improve base quality of life.
“In working on this renovation, it was important to me that the equipment we already possess remains useable through the duration of this process and that there’s usable equipment in future years to come”, said U.S Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Davis, 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron sports and fitness section chief. “I have had the unique opportunity here to be part of selecting the quality of materials and new equipment that will be used moving forward as part of this project.”
The upgrades include everything from the improvement of the quality of the outdoor volleyball courts, using high quality fine sand, and a rubberized quarter mile outdoor track with a grass turf soccer field, which will be located near the BPC rear-parking lot.
“Here at the AUAB, the fitness center is a critical part of quality of life in addition to helping keep our people fit to fight,” said Davis. “It serves as an important place for people to come out and unwind while building a work community network or learning new skills.”
This renovation will affect the entire BPC gym which includes new flooring for the entire building and new paint. Some of the equipment may have to be moved to other gyms temporarily but will still be available for use at those locations.