Hello neighbors! We’re getting excited to break ground on the new Gene Friend Rec Center in the early part of next year.
** PLEASE NOTE ** The old Rec Center’s last day of operation will be December 21, 2023.
We are working now to support the contractor finalize bid packages for demolition and abatement scopes and to update the overall construction schedule and details.
The project area has very challenging soils, so we are working with our Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) team, as well as the architects, structural, geotechnical, and civil engineering teams, to finalize the design for piles and foundations to support the new building.
We are also pivoting to apply for secondary electrical service for the project, given recent notification from SFPUC that this was an option for the project. This pivot means that less space will be needed in the park for electrical equipment. Pending timely responses from SFPUC and PG&E, this is also anticipated to produce a savings on electrical equipment cost.
Art enrichment for the new facility is also moving forward. We held an orientation onsite earlier this month for the three artist finalists chosen to develop proposals for a large artwork in the new double court gymnasium. The orientation brought together representatives from Rec and Park, the San Francisco Arts Commission, and two of our core community stakeholder organizations, United Playaz and Bayanihan Equity Center (see photos below). Rec and Park will support the Arts Commission in sharing the artwork proposals with the community in early 2024.
Please stay tuned for more updates!
Melinda Sullivan, melinda.sullivan@sfgov.org, 628-652-6648.
For more information visit the project webpage: https://sfrecpark.org/1143/Gene-Friend-Recreation-Center