City Police Open New Gym

The new gym at the City's police department is complete with state-of-the-art workout equipment.

City police officers cut the ribbon Monday at their new fitness center located in the basement of the police station on East Figueroa Street.

At the grand opening, Deputy Police Chief Frank Mannix praised the City’s Public Works Department and the Santa Barbara Police Foundation, whose contributions co-funded the construction and equipment costs. City Council and Mayor Helene Schneider authorized $46,000 in Police Asset Forfeiture funds to purchase exercise machines and the Police Foundation — a nonprofit that fundraises for the police department — donated $20,532 toward weight training equipment for the project, which has been in the works since last November. The project broke ground in June, converting the old police and fire dispatch center (now at the Granada Garage) into a well-equipped gym complete with state-of-the-art treadmills, elliptical machines, a rowing machine, a stationary bike, and multiple weight training stations.

Officers can watch television while they work out between shifts.

Of the workout facility, Police Foundation Secretary Pamela Geremia said, it will “give a little boost to [officer’s] spirits.” Joe Gonzales, Public Works Department Facilities Maintenance Supervisor, said he wished the Police Foundation’s money were “going towards a new building,” but that he’s “glad it’s going toward this.” Second District Councilmember Randy Rowse and City Administrator Paul Casey were also in attendance.