Gene Friend Recreation Center Project

Description

Recreation and Park Department and The Trust for Public Land Staff have been working with the community since late 2014 to envision improvements to Gene Friend Recreation Center. A feasibility study modeled various tiers of intervention, from building improvements to the existing recreation center to a completely new and expanded facility. Based on community feedback, the project team also explored building replacement options. The study demonstrated that improvements to the existing building would be costly and would not fully accommodate community desires and the needs of the growing SOMA neighborhood. Construction of a new recreation center and facility will allow RPD to provide more public amenities, improve site access and security, and will provide greater seismic strength and environmental benefits.

Partnership with the Trust for Public Land

The Trust for Public Land is a national non-profit organization that works in partnership with the City and communities to ensure that everyone has access to quality parks and open space. Some of the recent playground renovation efforts resulting from this partnership include Hayes Valley Playground, Balboa Park, Boeddeker Park and most recently Helen Diller Playgrounds at Civic Center.