San Bruno Recreation and Aquatic Center

San Bruno, Calif.
Construction Cost: $50 million
Area / Square Feet: 49,500
Occupancy Date: August 2024

The San Bruno Recreation and Aquatic Center (RAC) reimagines the traditional recreation facility, fusing bold architectural expression with lively, versatile programming. Envisioned as a composition of interconnected, winged volumes with striking sloped rooflines, the design seamlessly integrates aquatics, recreation and community spaces into a fluid, unified experience. 

Thoughtful massing, high-performance envelope design and cutting-edge sustainability strategies elevate energy efficiency while creating adaptable, light-filled environments. From a multi-use gym with an integrated running track and dance studio to regenerativefiltration pools that dissolve boundaries between indoor and outdoor realms, every space is calibrated for versatility and vitality. 

With its gently sloping roof and transparent expanses, the community wing houses flexible spaces for childcare, classrooms and events, and is anchored by a soaring double-height living room that fosters fluid circulation. Artfully nestled into the hillside, the recreation wing leverages its site, drawing in diffused light through a continuous northern clerestory. The aquatics wing, crowned by an expressive roofline and shaded glazing, balances daylight and thermal performance, enhancing acoustic and visual comfort. Solar arrays in partnership with Peninsula Clean Energy, high-efficiency pool systems and strategic building orientation minimize the entire center’s energy demand. 

Rooted in its context, RAC restores natural creek corridors, preserves mature trees and extends the civic heart of San Bruno City Park. The result is a transformative retreat where contemporary design meets the timeless beauty of the Bay Area landscape.

Architect of Record

Group 4 Architecture, Research + Planning Inc.

San Francisco, Calif.

Associate Architect; Architect of Record for Recreation Interiors 

Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects

Dallas, Texas

Programming Consultant

Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects

Dallas, Texas

Aquatics Consultant

Counsilman-Hunsaker

San Diego, Calif. 

Suppliers

Other: Linear Wood Ceilings9Wood
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Basketball Backboards/SupportsADP Lemco
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Divider CurtainsAdvanced Equipment Corp.
Other: ADA Lifts-PoolAqua Creek
Pools - Chemical Control SystemsBECS Technology
Other: Chemical Control Systems-PoolBECS Technology
Pools - Scoreboard/Timing SystemsColorado Time Systems
Pools - Lane MarkersCompetitor Swim
Indoor Sports Surfaces - MultipurposeConnor Sports
Other: FRP DoorsCorrim
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Scoreboards/Timing SystemsDaktronics
Pools - GuttersDaldorado
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Volleyball Nets and StandardsDraper Inc.
Other: UV-PoolEvoqua
Locker/Shower - LockersForeman
Other: Ballet BarresGibson Gymnastics
Other: Natatorium LightingInsight
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Bleachers/GrandstandsIrwin Seating Company
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Wall PaddingLamvin
Pools - HeatersLochinvar
Pools - Filtration SystemsNeptune Benson/Xylem
Pools - Access Ramps/StairsParagon Aquatics
Pools - Ladders/Grab BarsParagon Aquatics
Pools - Starting BlocksParagon Aquatics
Other: VDF-PoolPentair Acudrive
Other: Circulation Systems-PoolPentair Aurora
Pools - ADA LiftsPOOLCORP Commercial Aquatics
Pools - Ladders/Grab BarsPOOLCORP Commercial Aquatics
Pools - Cleaners/VacuumsPOOLCORP Commercial Aquatics
Pools - Water Play FeaturesPOOLCORP Commercial Aquatics
Pools - Sanitization SystemsPulsar
Indoor Sports Surfaces - TrackRobbins Sport Surfaces
Fitness Center - Flooring, Fitness CenterRoppe
Other: Pool LiftsSplash Aquatic; Traveler BP
Locker/Shower - Swimsuit ExtractorsSUITMATE by Extractor Corporation
Locker/Shower - FlooringTera-Lite
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - LightingVisionaire
Pools - Water Play FeaturesWaterplay Solutions Corp.