Maryland Guard re-opens athletic facilities after $3.2 million upgrades
by Maj. Benjamin Hughes
REISTERSTOWN, Md. – The Maryland National Guard hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the re-opening of a turf field and gym at the Camp Fretterd Military Reservation after approximately $3.2 million in upgrades on August 9, 2024.
The construction of the $2 million CFMR Athletic Field was 100% federally funded and the project included the installation of a synthetic turf and improved drainage systems. The $1.2 million retrofitting of the Major Robert Marchanti Fitness Center, which was completed earlier this summer, included enhanced fitness equipment, a new gym floor, and an upgraded HVAC system.
Many of their senior leaders from the Maryland Department of General Services, which was responsible for contract administration and construction execution, attended the ceremony.
Both projects support the Army Combat Fitness Test program to conduct physical fitness assessments safely in a state-of-the-art environment. The upgraded turf field is lined for football, soccer, and includes markings for ACFT sprint-drag-carry event. There is also an area to support the deadlift exercise and pull-up bars near the field
“We have to make sure our Soldiers are physically fit to respond to our state and our nation when called upon,” said Maryland Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Andrew Collins, deputy adjutant general for Maryland. “And with the advent of the ACFT, a facility like this is absolutely needed and required, so really it means a lot to have this project finally completed.”
Collins credited the team for being proactive in getting the gym upgraded as a way to continue to honor the namesake’s “enduring legacy.”
Ten years ago, the Maryland Board of Public Works approved the naming of the gym after Maryland Army National Guard Maj. Robert J. Marchanti II. He was killed in action in Kabul, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012 and was a gym teacher in his civilian career.
“Today’s ceremony is also special because these projects represent a direct investment in all our Soldiers; those serving and those who have yet to serve in our ranks,” said Maryland Army National Guard Lt. Col. Rob Wille, deputy J3 for the Joint Staff. “It demonstrates an enduring commitment to our warrior’s health, fitness, safety, morale, welfare, and recreation. I know that MAJ Marchanti being very fitness-minded and a heavy powerlifter would have loved what we achieved in the work you see here today. This was truly an impressive team effort.”
