‘Your Swipe Counts’ for access, programs at Stuttgart fitness centers

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Donald C. Bolduc, Special Operations Command Africa commander, swipes in at Patch Fitness Center, Feb. 2. The swipe is tabulated in the U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation system to provide data for future decisions and funding for Stuttgart fitness centers. Photo by Kevin S. Abel.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Donald C. Bolduc, Special Operations Command Africa commander, swipes in at Patch Fitness Center, Feb. 2. The swipe is tabulated in the U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation system to provide data for future decisions and funding for Stuttgart fitness centers. Photo by Kevin S. Abel.

By Robyn Mack

USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

The “Your Swipe Counts” campaign is growing and adding new features across U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation fitness centers.

The campaign, which started in August, is designed to capture statistical data on patrons entering the facilities.

“We’ve recently added a key fob as an option to help encourage people to swipe in,” said Ricky Payton, Family and MWR director of sports and fitness. “The key fob started at the Panzer Fitness Center, but is now available at all centers.”

People can get a key fob to swipe on entry at any fitness center customer service desk.

“Your swipe counts toward increasing our efficiency and productivity,” said Payton. The data will also be used by managers for reporting usage and services.

Joel Wasko, Family and MWR marketing and advertising specialist, said benchmarking the number of users, hours gyms are most used, and program and equipment access allows Family and MWR to make decisions for long-term needs and hours of operation.

Payton added it also ensures correct staffing levels, better class schedules, and helps ensure equipment replacement fits the needs or the most desired activities.

More than 13,000 Stuttgart community members are already registered in the RecTrac System, according to Wasko.

“The swipe system will continue to expand to other Family and MWR programs,” he said. “It’s already part of our routine at Outdoor Recreation and the Patch Arts and Crafts Center. Swiping your card helps increase funding which means new programs, better facilities and a stronger military community.

To help aide in the swipe process entry will only be accessed through the main entrance of each community fitness center where patrons will be required to swipe the Common Access Card, Department of Defense ID card, or new key fob, Payton said. “Staff will be on hand to remind gym users and help as necessary.”

The Family and MWR fitness program oversees four physical fitness centers that offer equipment, classes and personalized services available seven days a week. With everything from stair climbers, treadmills and ellipticals to strength training equipment, there’s something for everyone.

Stuttgart area fitness center hours are as follows:

Patch Fitness Center

  • 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Friday
  • 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
  • 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., U.S. holidays, except Christmas and New Year’s Day
  • For more information, visit Bldg. 2337 on Patch Barracks or call DSN: 430-7136/ civ. 0711-680-7136.

Panzer Fitness Center

  • 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Friday
  • 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
  • 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., U.S. holidays, except Christmas and New Year’s Day
  • For more information, visit Bldg. 2990 on Panzer Kaserne or call DSN: 431-2724/ civ. 07031-15-2724.

Kelley Fitness Center

  • 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Friday
  • 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
  • 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., U.S. holidays, except Christmas and New Year’s Day
  • For more information, visit Bldg. 3326 on Kelley Barracks or call DSN: 421-2543/ civ. 0711-7292-543.

Robinson Barracks Fitness Center

  • 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday
  • 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
  • 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., U.S. holidays, except Christmas and New Year’s Day
  • For more information, visit Bldg. 151 on Robinson Barracks or call DSN: 420-6317/ civ. 0711-819-6317.