NAVFAC Southwest Awards $39.5 Million to Construct Fitness Facility

By Mario T. Icari Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest awarded RQ Construction LLC of Carlsbad a $39.5 million contract Aug. 7 for the construction of a fitness center on Naval Base Coronado.

RQ Construction LLC will construct a physical fitness facility, liberty center, and outdoor pool area. The new facility will be approximately 113,000 square feet. The fitness center is planned to be 92,000 square feet and the liberty center is planned to be 18,000 square feet.

"The new complex will be a cornerstone of meeting MWR's mission of providing quality support and recreational services that contribute to the retention, readiness, mental, physical, and emotional well-being of our Sailors' at Naval Base Coronado," said Billy Sandros, NAVFAC Southwest design manager for this project.

The fitness center will include a gymnasium with basketball and volleyball courts with spectator seating, six racquetball courts, and exercise spaces. The center will also have a lobby, reception area, restrooms, administrative spaces, classrooms, and structured activity rooms. A computer area, game room, television lounge, mini theater, concession area, and a multi-purpose room will also be part of the center.

"The project will consolidate four existing athletic facilities that are inadequate and antiquated while providing the warfighter, retirees, and their families a modern state-of-the-art athletic fitness and training complex," said Sandros "The project will also greatly increase the liberty center services currently provided. The new combined center is centrally located aboard Naval Air Station North Island, across from the newly completed bachelor's quarters, and within an easy walk of carrier berthing."

The planned outdoor pool area will include 10 two-meter lanes with accessibility ramp and associated equipment. The pool will be used for operational and survival training as well as for recreational swimming.

RQ Construction LLC will replace outdoor athletic facilities, covered picnic shelters, and fitness stations which are currently located on the site. The existing running track will be replaced with a new running track.

Work is expected to be completed by spring 2015. NAVFAC Southwest is the contracting activity.