Prior to the walking track officially opening Monday morning, the local National Guard unit got to use the track and surrounding park at Crosby Commons to conduct their regular physical fitness training tests.
Staff Sgt. Ashley Bell Gilbert said the test is an annual requirement for each member of the National Guard, typically done between the months of October and December.
Gilbert said their training was held on Saturday, which was about the time 50 of the members of the 857th Engineer Company were scheduled to take the test in order to maintain their satisfactory status with the unit.
If for some reason a member has to retake or reschedule the test, there is a six-month period in which to accomplish that.
The test involves three timed events, a two-minute push-up test, a two-minute sit-up test, and a two-mile run.
Each soldier has to meet certain criteria in each test based on their age and gender, Gilbert said.
“Being able to use Crosby Commons was good because it was already measured out for distance so we knew how many laps were required. It also allowed the National Guard to be out in their community,” Gilbert said.
She said city officials approved their use of the track after the National Guard heard about it opening the following Monday.
Gilbert said she is the new recruiter for the local National Guard unit. Anyone interested in joining can reach her at 601-530-5548.