Expanded sports club complete at Mediterra

COURTESY PHOTO This massage bed is located in one of the three treatment rooms, designed with noiseblocking walls, that were created by the recent expansion of The Sports Club at Mediterra, the 1,697-acre Bonita Bay Group community in North Naples. A summer-long expansion project that created a separate spa area, nearly doubled the size of the fitness center and added new exercise equipment is now completed at The Sports Club at Mediterra, Bonita Bay Group's 1,697-acre masterplanned community in North Naples. The facility, which is located in Mediterra's Piazza, was expanded from 7,852 square feet to more than 14,000 square feet.

"During these uncertain economic times, it is unusual for amenity expansions to occur," said Gary Dumas, vice president of Bonita Bay Group. "We are pleased at this time to be able to complete this project to support the growing number of members at Mediterra."

The project also added a large multipurpose room, lobby reception area, computer center with two terminals and a changing room in the tennis pro shop. The building now has wireless Internet connectivity and incorporates several elements of green building, including rubber and cork flooring, energy efficient light bulbs and Zoysia grass, which requires less water and fertilizer than traditional grass.

Members also enjoy new health equipment, including a Pilates Reformer, a flexibility table and cardio machines with individual TV monitors, and innovative finishes, such as a rubber floor in the fitness center.

"We're really breaking the mold with the rubber floor," said Julie Garcia, The Club's director of fitness. "It's safer, easier on the body and more hygienic. It's also made from recycled material."

The fitness center now offers twice the equipment, two flat-screen TVs and a Paramount functional trainer, which uses cable resistance to mimic sports-specific movements. Windows along two walls overlook a lake and the Piazza lawn — a view displayed from most of the center's new Cybex equipment, including VR3 resistance machines. The fitness center also has a flexibility area, staff offices and a space dedicated to free weights and resistance training.