Facilities of Merit 2012: East Oakland Sports Center

East Oakland Sports Center

Oakland, Calif.

Year in Showcase: 2012

Project Description

The East Oakland Sports Center boasts one of the few recreational natatoriums in the country for underserved populations, and it is one of the few that is municipally owned and operated in California. Its extremely economical, sustainable design maximizes operating efficiencies and serves as a model for other underserved communities.

To bring costs down, immediate attention was given to those elements that were most relevant to the community. This first phase includes a natatorium with an indoor leisure pool, a dance/aerobics studio, a fitness center, locker rooms and a lobby. Future phases will see the addition of soccer and baseball fields, as well as a two-court gymnasium with a suspended running track and a competition pool.

The design showcases its programmatic elements with highly transparent volumes, providing glimpses of the activities within to invite people inside. Extensive glazing maximizes daylighting and views; at night, the natatorium glows and serves as a beacon of community pride. The lobby is the building's focal point, with entries on both sides so users can move easily from the facility to Edes Avenue or the sport fields.

Judges' Comments

Project Details

Architect of Record: ELS Architecture and Urban Design; Berkeley, Calif.

Aquatic Design Engineer: Aquatic Design Group; Carlsbad, Calif.

Programming Consultant: The Sports Management Group; Berkeley, Calif.

Construction Cost: $18 million

Square Feet: 25,000

Occupancy: July 2011

Vendors

Access Ramps/Stairs: Paragon Aquatics, Div. Of Pentair

Cardiovascular Equipment: Sportsart Fitness

Cardiovascular Equipment: Star Trac

Chemical Control Systems: Siemens Water Technologies

Cleaners/Vacuums: Recreonics Inc.

Covers: T-Star Enterprises

Dehumidifiers: Desert Aire Corp.

Filtration Systems: Nemato Corp.

Flooring, Aerobics: Connor Sports Flooring

Flooring, Fitness Center: Mondo

Free-Weight Equipment: Star Trac

Gutters: Lawson Aquatics Inc.

Heaters: Lochinvar Corp.

Ladders/Grab Bars: Paragon Aquatics, Div. Of Pentair

Lane Markers: Antiwave Pool Products

Natatorium Ceiling Fans: Big Ass Fans

Shower/Toilet Partitions: Bobrick Washroom Equipment Inc.

Solar Therman: Suntrek Industries

Strength Equipment: Star Trac

Swimsuit Extractors: Extractor Corp.

Water Play Features: Vortex Aquatic Structures Int'l Inc.