The University of West Florida?s new Health, Leisure and Sports Facility houses the school?s departments of Recreation and Sports Services and Health, Leisure and Exercise Science, nearly doubling available on-campus space for these programs. Completing an athletics complex that includes an existing field house and natatorium, the facility offers a focal point at the West Florida campus entrance and enhances the university?s sports identity.
The main lobby, which provides direct access to the HLES department, recreation administration offices and the recreation center, features a juice bar, study lounge and activities lounge. From the lobby, a circular elevator shaft and a monumental stair descend to the building?s lower level, which houses most activity areas. The program includes a two-level fitness center, a climbing wall, teaching and recreation gymnasiums, two aerobics/ dance studios and four racquetball courts. A suspended jogging track, accessible from the fitness center?s upper level, circles the recreation gyms and fitness center.
Interior materials convey a sense of warmth, yet are durable and easy to maintain. Long-lasting epoxy terrazzo floors were selected, lending the facility a feel of classic Florida architecture, and the school?s colors of blue and green were incorporated throughout the building.
Arnold Recreation Center
