SICILY, ITALY — The new $23-million, 90,000-square-foot recreation complex at Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily, Italy, is referred to as “the Navy's premier recreational facility,” said Greg Gustine, deputy morale, wellness and recreation director at the facility.
After two-and-a-half years of construction, the facility houses separate program areas under one roof and is set up like a typical Italian piazza. Programs include a movie complex; a bowling center; a 25-meter six-lane pool with two 22-meter high slides and a children's play area; two racquetball courts; a gymnasium; an indoor climbing wall; an outdoor recreation facility; an indoor track; and a large fitness area called the Fit District that consists of a spinning room, two aerobics studios and 90 pieces of cardio equipment including ellipticals, treadmills, cycles and stair climbers. The facility also features separate areas for selectorized, plate-loaded and free weights, as well as plasma-screen televisions and a deck area used for training clients.
“Participation in Fit District alone has increased daily participation from around 300 a day to over 1,000,” said Gustine. “Bowling numbers are way up, the pool is packed almost every day and feedback runs highly complimentary of the facility and programs. Needless to say, we are very pleased with the results.”