By Laura D.C. Kolnoski
OCEANPORT – Fort Monmouth’s new property owners, predominantly locals, are as dedicated to preserving the history of the former U.S. Army base as they are about being part of its revitalization.
Among them is Fair Haven’s Scott Marchakitus, CEO of the Fort Athletic Club (FAC), a renovated former military gymnasium on Route 537 (aka Avenue of Memories). He and his partners successfully navigated the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority’s (FMERA) bid process to secure the 1950s-era structure.
“In 2016, a group of like-minded local residents and I formed Fort Partners Group with the goal of purchasing and renovating the former fitness center,” Marchakitus said. “After an extensive multimillion-dollar, four-year renovation, we finally opened The Fort Athletic Club in October 2021. Our mission was to create a space for families, friends and neighbors to come together with a common purpose – health and fitness.”
Today, the 50,000-square-foot club on 7.2 acres has a “by locals for locals” focus highlighted by military homages. Retired Lt. Col. John Occhipinti, a decorated veteran, can enlighten members about the fort’s significance over its 100 years. He was the fort’s site manager after it closed in 2011 before joining the staff.
Five boutique studios include Hot Zone (yoga), Flight School (cycling), Base Ops (barre, Pilates, dance and cardio), The Bunker (adult and youth performance training), and Earn Your Stripes (high-intensity military-inspired workouts). Six courts are used for open play and coached pickleball, and basketball courts are available for youth and adult leagues. A smoothie and coffee bar offers meals, drinks and healthy snacks. Childcare is also available.
This year, some of the state’s top young female basketball stand-outs attended the summer basketball league run by Rumson-Fair Haven High School girls head coach Dave Callahan and former Central Regional and Holmdel coach Doug Shaw. Players from state Non-Public A Champion Red Bank Catholic, Shore Conference Tournament winner St. John Vianney, and Rutgers Prep were among the participants.
Director of personal training Steve Gallagher, a Long Branch resident who previously resided in Oceanport and Red Bank, said FAC trainers are sent to an annual Functional Training Summit and receive stipends for continuing education.
“Our superpower is pairing members with the right trainer,” Gallagher said. “We take the time to understand each person’s needs and goals, then match them with the coach who can help them reach those goals. Our trainers are skilled in adapting exercises to accommodate injuries, fitness levels and specific objectives.”
Rumson’s Bridget Riepl joined FAC three years ago as Hot Zone studio lead and is now the marketing director. She has a degree from the Seton Hall University School of Law, a creative writing degree and is founder of the New Jersey Yoga Collective. She also serves as the FAC’s yoga director of Base Ops, a female-focused fitness space with “high vibes and multidimensional workouts.”
“My role as director of marketing has been inspiring, collaborative, mentally stimulating, and wildly innovative, especially within the fitness world,” said the mom of 12-year-old twins. “The Fort Athletic Club highlights women as decision-makers and leaders, respecting me as a mother and a professional. It’s a joy to come to work knowing I’m part of a team that values me and is building something truly meaningful for our community.”
The FAC’s community outreach began when Marchakitus offered it as a public COVID-19 testing site in 2022.
“We’ve made a commitment to give back to our local communities by supporting charitable organizations like Lunch Break, Family Promise, Shore House, Beacon of Hope and Mary’s Place,” Marchakitus, a financial analyst, said. “We recently created the Fort Owners Group (FOG), an initiative that brings together (about 20) local businesses in Oceanport, Shrewsbury and Eatontown to collaborate and share best practices.” Fort Monmouth’s 1,126 acres spans portions of those three municipalities.
Little Silver native Cherlene Cooper, director of Youth Programming, Court, and Event Management, previously worked at the fort gym for 10 years. She was brought back by acquaintance and part-owner Chris Champeau, head basketball coach at Rumson-Fair Haven High School.
“When I walked onto the basketball court, it was love at first sight,” Cooper said. “Seeing the freshly polished court, smelling the new paint and construction, I knew immediately (it) was where I belonged. The transformation from the old, dark, and dingy gym to a vibrant space was inspiring.”
Flight School director, Fort Boxing Club director, and personal trainer Jenni Porter, a former professional boxer and Netflix stunt coordinator, owned a gym in Beverly Hills before relocating to New Jersey. If all goes as planned, Netflix will be constructing a 12-sound-stage production studio adjacent to the club in the coming years.
Kristina Disakias of Ocean Township is director of The Bunker where she leads “experienced coaches who provide personalized coaching, motivation, and support.”
Originally from Fair Haven, pickleball director Vicky Smith now resides in Atlantic Highlands and oversees open play sessions for all levels Monday through Friday. “We’re offering a variety of weekly skill strategy and drilling sessions,” she said. “Every other Friday, we host a ‘Learn How to Play’ session for new players, with a follow-up session to ensure they feel comfortable.” A member appreciation party and a Halloween tournament are planned.
Jordan Marciano of Asbury Park is director of the Hot Zone and Base Ops. He was invited to teach at the club and has risen to management. He said expanded studio offerings this fall include Yin + Sound Healing workshops, shadow boxing classes, meditation practices and beginner yoga.
“Our spaces are so much more than yoga, movement, sweat and strength,” he said. “We create community, friendship, and connection.”
Studio director of Earn Your Stripes and Combat Ashley Melillo, who grew up in Middletown, started as a part-time coach, also rising through the ranks. She said her mission is to “help others achieve their best lives through health, wellness, community, and owning their ‘fortitude.’ ”
“I believe we have the best fitness staff in the area,” Marchakitus said. “I want The Fort Athletic Club to be the best family fitness center in Monmouth County.”
The club is hosting the 4th Annual Feastmode Fall Basketball Event Nov. 25 through Dec. 15 with over 100 mid-Monmouth teams. For information and registration, visit fortathleticclub.com.
The article originally appeared in the September 19 – September 25, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
