In the aftermath of the devastating 2010 Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) gas pipeline explosion in San Bruno's Crestmoor neighborhood, which tragically destroyed 38 homes, damaged over 70, and claimed eight lives, the City of San Bruno secured a $70 million restitution settlement from PG&E. The City Council decided these funds should serve the long-term benefit of the entire community. In 2013, the City established the San Bruno Community Foundation (SBCF), an independent nonprofit organization, to manage and oversee the strategic use of the settlement funds.
In 2015, SBCF launched a Community Listening Campaign to gather public input on community priorities for these funds. The campaign identified a critical need for enhanced community facilities to support diverse programs and services. Responding to this feedback, SBCF prioritized the development of a state-of-the-art Recreation and Aquatic Center (RAC), aligning with the community’s vision for a robust recreational infrastructure.
In 2018, Counsilman-Hunsaker was engaged to conduct an in-depth feasibility study, encompassing cost estimates, conceptual designs, and operational analysis for a recreation and aquatics facility within a $50 million budget. The study was well received, and our team was retained as the lead aquatics designer for an outdoor lap pool, an indoor leisure pool, and an outdoor leisure pool.
The project entailed demolishing the aging Veterans Memorial Building and San Bruno Park Pool to make way for a new 50,000 sq. ft. two-story Recreation and Aquatic Center. This modern facility features a community lounge, fitness rooms, a gymnasium, an indoor pool, a walking track, multipurpose spaces, and city staff offices.
The RAC officially opened in July 2023, welcoming community members to enjoy its comprehensive amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools, group exercise rooms, and an accessible layout for all visitors. The center now hosts an array of programs and activities, fulfilling its mission of serving as a hub for community connection and wellness.
Visit the official San Bruno Recreation and Aquatic Center website