Ada Gym expected to re-open Dec. 30

Renovations to the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium are tentatively scheduled to conclude by Dec. 30 according to Division of Sports and Recreation director Joseph “Jojo” Attao.

“We are about 80 percent finished with the renovation project. The fencing at the Miguel ‘Tan Ge’ Pangelinan Ballfield was finished back in May; the work on the roof and the restrooms are finished and right now we are assembling the new bleachers and installing the synthetic rubber floor panels,” said Attao.

The project was originally expected to finish on Oct. 1, however the process was stalled due to the late delivery of building materials.

The locker rooms and the front entrance bathrooms have also been renovated, but renovations to the weight room are not covered under the Community Development Block Grant. The locker rooms are finished, but Attao said these will not be available until the reopening of the gymnasium; the front restrooms are open and running.

Notably, although not renovated yet the weight room is open to the public for just $1 a day. However, it will be closed on holidays and austerity Fridays.

Attao said workers have also fixed the leaks on the roof by installing a brand new roofing kit. The kit is also designed to prevent future leaks.

Moreover, nine wind turbines designed to increase air circulation and cool off the inside of the building have been installed on the roof, providing another needed upgrade to the facility.
The synthetic rubber floor panels and retractable bleachers are being installed right now. The panels are made of similar material used in the 2008 Olympics held in Beijing, China.
According to Attao, upon completion, the retractable bleachers are expected to provide room for about 1,000 spectators.
Workers are applying 4.5 mm synthetic panels on top of 3.3 mm of padding to the floor.
Some people have criticized the installation process and claim that the old flooring was not properly removed, which may cause the new floor panels to bubble up after time.
Attao is aware of such concerns and responded, “We don’t know that, only time will tell. We are going to see what happens and if it turns out there is a problem then we will address the situation.”
Attao also reiterated that the materials used are under a manufacturer’s warranty and that the situation regarding the high water table under the building is beyond anyone’s control.
“High tide and heavy rainfall causes the underground water table to rise. This causes water to seep up underneath the gym floor and there’s not really much we can do about it. Money is tight and we certainly can’t tear down the whole building and start from scratch. We are doing the best job we can with the funding available and my guys are working full speed to get the gym open to the public,” added Attao.
When the gym does open there will be no betel nut chewing allowed in the building. Attao stressed that this rule will be enforced to everyone.