2025 West Best Projects
Best Sports/Entertainment: San Bruno Recreation and Aquatic Center

San Bruno Recreation and Aquatic Center
Bruno, Calif.
BEST PROJECT
Submitted by Group 4 Architecture, Research + Planning Inc.
Owner City of San Bruno
Architect of Record Group 4 Architecture, Research + Planning Inc.
General Contractor Lathrop Construction Associates Inc.
Civil Engineer BKF Engineers
Structural Engineer Degenkolb Engineers
MEP Engineer ME Engineers
Associate Architect Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects
Aquatic Consultant Counsilman-Hunsaker
As the end result of a 14-year-long community journey following a devastating gas line explosion in 2010, this $50-million project represents the city’s commitment to reinvest in its people and itself.
A comprehensive community engagement process shaped the vision for this recreation center, which is set into a hillside at the edge of Junipero Serra State Park. Carefully sequenced construction minimized disruption to mature trees and adjacent public spaces. Geopier ground improvement systems were strategically used to minimize environmental disruption during construction as well.
In addition to constructing a new public facility, scope included a major city street realignment and reconstruction of a portion of a city park, all adjacent to an active neighborhood and heavily used public spaces. Once the realigned street reopened to traffic, the construction site was split into two zones. To maintain a secure and efficient environment across this divided site, the project team implemented comprehensive barrier containment systems, clear signage and consistent safety protocols.
Photo by Cesar Rubio
As part of a proactive approach to public communication and outreach, digital message boards and neighborhood mailers kept nearby residents, park users and community stakeholders informed of ongoing activities.
The facility’s radial site design provides sweeping views and multiple indoor-outdoor connections. Three interlocking pavilions—community, recreation and aquatics—are each uniquely programmed and visually distinct, but united through shared spaces. A double-height community living room connects classroom and childcare spaces to a gym, dance studio and indoor-outdoor pools.
Combating long lead times and price volatility required proactive procurement strategies, close coordination and a shared commitment to maintaining schedule and budget integrity. Extended lead times for underground water main piping threatened to delay early site grading and foundation work, so the team engineered a temporary above-ground water main reroute that looped around the site and reconnected underground beyond the work zone.

