MOBILE, AL -- Construction of a new $32 million student recreation center is under way at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL. The 116,000-square-foot facility is slated for completion in the summer of 2010.
The new rec center building includes several unique features, such as exposed beam wood ceilings over the weight room and indoor pool. The indoor 75-foot-long saltwater pool will include six lanes, and an outdoor pool and spa also are planned to host intramural water polo and volleyball.
The facility also will be equipped with aerobics rooms, weight rooms, spin studios, basketball and racquetball courts, an indoor track, indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, a rock-climbing wall, and a smoothie bar.
“As our society becomes more health conscious, it is important for our students to strengthen both their minds and their bodies,” Gordon Moulton, South Alabama president, said in a statement. “It will also enable the university to continue to attract today's best students.”
The school says wellness evaluations and baby-sitting services will be offered at the facility. Plus, an adjacent outdoor recreation center will have camping equipment and canoes available for students to borrow on loan.