U.S. Navy Unveils Groundbreaking Outdoor Fitness Pavilion at Huntington Hall

Newport News, Va. (August 15, 2024) – Sailors living near Huntington Hall in Newport News now have access to the U.S. Navy’s first outdoor fitness pavilion. This new facility offers a 24/7 workout option, addressing a critical need for those seeking flexible exercise times.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Tuesday, August 15th. Leadership from Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair-Newport News were present. The event also saw participation from staff of the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) department and enthusiastic Sailors ready to test the new amenities.

“Our 24-hour outdoor fitness pavilion is a significant benefit for our junior Sailors around Huntington Hall. Given the strenuous nature of their shipyard work, this facility provides an essential outlet,” said Captain Dan Patrick, Commanding Officer of Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. “It took around eight months and over $325,000 to complete this pavilion. Our quality-of-service team put in a lot of effort, and it’s a considerable achievement for us,” he added.

Situated behind Huntington Hall, the 800-square-foot pavilion includes solar panels, LED lights, and is built to withstand hurricanes. It features an open floor plan with interlocking rubber tiles suitable for CrossFit and high-intensity interval training. The pavilion houses modular stations for various workouts, including pull-ups, climbing ropes, bench presses, and squat racks. Additional workout equipment like kettle bells, jump ropes, and weighted balls are stored in outdoor cabinets for easy access.

Following the ribbon-cutting, Sailors flocked to the pavilion to use the new equipment. Some tested the 15-foot climbing ropes, while MWR gym staff assisted in setting up bench press attachments and offered guidance on safe usage. The pavilion, bright and airy, was quickly appreciated for the variety of workout options it added to the existing gym facilities.

Other quality-of-life improvements at Huntington Hall include a new gym floor that has become popular for group sports like basketball and dodgeball. “The old floor was dull, but the new lighter color brightens the space, and Sailors are eager to use it,” remarked Matt Palandro, MWR Fitness Director for Huntington Hall.

Additionally, every room has received new furniture and fixtures. Sailors can enjoy amenities such as new PlayStation 5 consoles, pool tables, lounge areas, laptops, a small movie theater, and facility-wide wi-fi. The Fleet and Family Support Center within Huntington Hall offers a variety of programs and classes for Sailors during the week.

Recreational options are abundant, including trips and events like resource fairs and educational fairs. The facility houses an on-site Navy Exchange mini mart, one of the first in the region to adopt a cashless point-of-sale system. A fully equipped kitchen allows Sailors to prepare their own meals.

The new 24/7 outdoor fitness pavilion is just one of many enhancements aimed at improving the quality of life for Sailors residing at Huntington Hall and nearby areas while their ships undergo construction at Newport News Shipbuilding.