SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The transformation of the Eugene L. Friend Recreation Center reached a pivotal milestone today as the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department joined community and City partners to celebrate the completion of the building’s main structural framework with a topping out ceremony. The ceremony, held with construction firm Swinerton, marked the placement of the last structural beam in the new rec center, literally and figuratively laying the groundwork for what’s to come.
The project will replace the 45-year-old facility with a larger, more modern hub designed to serve the diverse needs of children, families, and seniors in the SoMa neighborhood who rely on the center for classes, programming, sports, and recreation.
The new center will include a gymnasium with two full-sized basketball courts; a new Harriet Street entryway; a modern exercise area; a kitchenette; a reception area and office; and two multi-purpose rooms. In addition to new lighting and landscaping, the center’s outdoor area will include a new playground, a picnic area, and sport court.
Construction on the $59 million project began in February 2024 and remains on track to be completed in mid-2026.
“As this transformative project moves full steam ahead, today’s milestone is more than just a beam raised—it’s a powerful symbol of community resilience, shared vision, and strong partnerships,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “It also reaffirms our unwavering commitment to building a world-class recreation center that will serve the heart of a growing and diverse SoMa neighborhood for generations.”
Originally opened in 1990 as the SoMa Recreation Center, the facility was renamed in 2002 in honor of longtime Recreation and Park Commissioner Eugene Friend, who served on the Commission for 24 years, including 13 as president. For more than three decades, the center has served as a vital community hub for residents of SoMa and downtown San Francisco.
“The topping out ceremony marks an important milestone in advancing the rebirth of this beloved recreation center,” said San Francisco Public Works Director Carla Short, whose team is providing construction management, landscape design and contracting services. “With more space and modern amenities, the reimagined space will better serve the multi-generational community of the South of Market neighborhood.”
“In a busy, ever-changing neighborhood like SoMa, having safe spaces where people can learn, play, and grow means everything,” said Rudy Corpuz, Founder and Director of United Playaz. “This rec center is like a second home for so many in the community—whether it’s kids in after-school programs, seniors taking classes, or neighbors coming together for a basketball game. Watching the new center take shape is a powerful reminder of why we do this work—to make sure our community has the tools and resources it needs to thrive.”
The journey to renovate Gene Friend Recreation Center began in 2014, when Rec and Park partnered with the Trust for Public Land on a feasibility study funded by a generous gift from the Friend Family Foundation. The study determined that replacing the aging facility—rather than renovating it—would best meet the evolving needs of the growing SoMa community, particularly underserved populations.
Funding for the project comes from a mix of public and private sources. Voters overwhelmingly supported the 2020 Health and Recovery Bond, which dedicated $30 million to the renovation. Additional support came from developer impact fees and philanthropic contributions, including a $520,500 in-kind grant from the Trust for Public Land and donations from the Friend family, who also provided exercise equipment for the new center.
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