By MC2(AW/SW) Kristina Young 

GROTON, Conn. -  Military and family members with young children have a new option at Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE) when it comes to finding time for fitness and a safe place for a youngster to await their workout completion.

Families joined SUBASE and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Department (MWR) leadership in celebrating the ribbon-cutting and grand-opening of the base’s new Family Fitness Center, Oct. 8.  Located on the third floor of Building 83, the new Family Fitness Center is adjacent to the base’s Body Works Fitness Center.

 “This center was a suggestion by some of our family members who wanted to have a safe area to bring their children while working-out and directly watching over them,” said Capt. Carl Lahti, SUBASE commanding officer. “As we help DoD pilot the Healthy Base Initiative (HBI), creating this room, and the opportunity it offers, was more than the right thing to do.”

Promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles has been a goal since SUBASE was selected as one of 13 installations to pilot HBI last year. Under DOD’s Operation Live Well, which is aimed at increasing the health and wellness of the total force, including civilians and family members, the HBI pilot program is aimed at helping DOD gather information about current practices, best practices, and new opportunities.