Members pumped up for Dockyard Gym reopening

CFB Esquimalt Base Commander, Capt(N) Kevin Whiteside and Deputy Commander, Canadian Fleet Pacific, Capt(N) Mark O’Donohue do some chin-ups during a celebration for the reopening of the Dockyard Gym, Aug. 15. Credit: Peter Mallett/Lookout Newspaper

Peter Mallett
Staff Writer

The Dockyard Gym reopened on Aug. 15 following an eight-month closure for maintenance work.

The gym has now resumed its Monday–Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. operating hours. The civilian staff of Personnel Support Programs (PSP) celebrated the moment by hosting a small on-site expo offering free drinks and snacks to attendees, along with information about sports and recreation programs, health and wellness, and the upcoming Anchors Away Arts and Music Festival at Starlight Stadium.

Captain (Navy) Kevin Whiteside, CFB Esquimalt Base Commander, was one of many military members who stopped by the gym to celebrate the moment. Dressed in his Navy Bike Ride jersey, shorts and sneakers, Capt(N) Whiteside said the occasion was a “super-exciting moment and certainly a morale booster for everyone in Dockyard.”

Staff of Personnel Support Programs (PSP) gather for a group photograph during a celebration for the reopening of the Dockyard Gym, Aug. 15. Credit: Peter Mallett/Lookout Newspaper

The importance of the occasion was not lost on Capt(N) Mark O’Donohue, Deputy Commander, Canadian Fleet Pacific, either. Dressed in his full Tropical White Longs Navy uniform, he happily demonstrated some deadlifts, curls and chin-ups with Capt(N) Whiteside to help promote the reopening of the gym.

“I would say the majority of our younger demographic is sailors who work out of Dockyard, so re-gaining access to the Dockyard gym is a moment we have all been waiting for and one to celebrate,” said Capt(N) O’Donohue.

Capt(N) O’Donohue is the new military champion for CFB Esquimalt’s Active Living Working Group. He believes the reopening will positively impact all fleet members’ mental and physical wellness.