Fletcher Fitness Center in Kittery, Maine shows 4.8 from 19 reviews, and its five written reviews, spanning 2018 to 2020, describe a military-affiliated gym at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, with free admission for military and DoD members, and several reviews specifically documenting COVID-era operating restrictions.
A Detailed Account of Equipment Range and Military Access
Waradmiral1937's review, from November 2018, is the most complete account of the facility itself: "This is a great gym. A good amount of equipment is here like machines, benches, squat racks, and free weights. A wide range of dumbbells, a racquetball court, and an aerobics room is also on site. The staff is friendly and helpful. Classes and personal training are offered, and admission is free for military and DoD members." I'd flag that free admission policy directly, since it's a specific, concrete access detail relevant to anyone connected to the shipyard or broader military community, rather than a general commercial gym open to the public.
A Detailed Account of Pandemic-Era Operating Restrictions
Paul Ukaegbu's review, from September 2020, documents specific COVID-19 protocols in place at that time: "COVID rules in the gym. Wipe every equipment, maintain 6 ft distance. Some treadmills are closed because of the 6ft distance. However the locker rooms and shower are closed." I'd note that treadmill-spacing detail directly, since it's a specific, dated account of exactly how capacity was reduced during that period, useful context for understanding why other 2020 reviews mention similar restrictions.
A Detailed Account of Practical Amenity Tradeoffs
Benjamin Crawford's review, from October 2020, adds further specific detail: "Parking is tough. Showers and lockers are normally good but prohibited now due to COVID-19. Friendly staff. One of each weight machine and several cardio machines. People are good about wiping down equipment. There are various TV channels that are not adjustable from treadmills, but there are audio ports for listening." I'd treat that "one of each weight machine" detail as a useful, specific expectation-setter, since it suggests a broad but not deeply redundant machine selection, worth knowing if you're used to gyms with multiple units of popular machines.
Additional Accounts of Staff Quality and Convenience for the Military Community
Patrick Downing's review, also from October 2020, keeps things brief but enthusiastic, praising the equipment and staff. Caleb White's review, from February 2019, adds a broader framing: "Good setup and convenient for military, veterans, shipyard workers and associate family members. Wide range of equipment for most circuit training."
What's Missing
Nothing here confirms whether the COVID-era restrictions described in the 2020 reviews, closed locker rooms, reduced treadmill capacity, are still in effect, since the most recent written review is from October 2020. No review states pricing for non-military visitors, if any access is available at all.
Who It's Not For
Anyone without a military, DoD, veteran, or shipyard-worker connection, since multiple reviewers specifically describe this as a facility built around that community rather than open general public access. Anyone who needs current, up-to-date confirmation of amenities or restrictions before visiting, since the most detailed reviews here describe temporary COVID-era conditions from 2020.
167 Beaumont Ave, Kittery, ME 03904, USA. The website is navymwrportsmouthshipyard.com.
