Aquatics Center reopens

Courtesy Photo | NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (April 14, 2015) – Rota Morale, Welfare and Recreation's Aquatics Center re-opened Tuesday following a 16-month closure and $1.5 million in updates and upgrades including a new roof, tiling, and locker rooms. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Grant Wamack/Released)  

ROTA, SPAIN

04.14.2015

Courtesy Story

Naval Station Rota, Spain

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (April 14, 2015) - Naval Station Rota Commanding Officer, Capt. Greg Pekari, helped cut a red ribbon Tuesday signifying the grand re-opening of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation’s (MWR) Aquatics Center after being under construction since December 2013.

The purpose of the $1.5 million Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) design-build project was to renovate the existing roof and complete major facility upgrades, including new wall structures, an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant chair lift, and six re-tiled swim lanes. A specialized mortar-based flooring
around the pool area was added to enhance health and safety, in addition to a newly integrated heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) and de-humidifier system for better heating and ventilation. The shower areas were completely overhauled, specifically the ceramic walls, ceiling tiles, doors, windows and counters. New lockers, ladders, starting blocks, lifeguard chairs, and other amenities were also added.

“The Aquatics Center had to be renovated because the roof had lived its life. If the winds were 20 miles [per hour] or more we would close the pool down for safety reasons. We have a safer facility now,” said Jeff Sias, MWR recreation director. “It was very successful in the sense that it was done in a time that it’s hard to get money for construction or renovation. We were recognized as really needing it and it’s going to sustain the life of the Aquatic Center for another 25 years.”

The Aquatics Center also has a new core workout station with a pull-up bar, stationary bikes, row machine, kettle bells, sit-up mats, Total Resistance eXercise (TRX), and SPRI resistance bands. This combination of training can help build muscle and provide an option for high-intensity training.

“The ultimate goal was to provide fitness alternatives and be mission ready from a physical standpoint,” said Sias. “We had the fitness center that is relatively small for the size of our community right now. Opening the Aquatics Center takes some pressure off that and provides an alternate opportunity to get fit and stay fit.”

The Aquatics Center is open April and May, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. During the summer, the pool will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Date Taken: 04.14.2015
• Date Posted: 04.21.2015 05:29
• Story ID: 160670
• Location: ROTA, ES