Walnut Creek Updates Public On New Aquatic, Community Center Project

WALNUT CREEK, CA — The city of Walnut Creek gave an update Thursday on the progression of a multiple-year project to replace both the aquatic and community center in Heather Farm Park.

The existing facilities have served the community well for more than half a century but the aging aquatics and community centers need replacement. The project is primarily being funded by Measure O, a 10-year, half-cent sales tax that has already been approved by Walnut Creek voters.

Significant work has been done and the project team will now bring a schematic design presentation package to several commissions in the new year, the city said Thursday. This package comprises a series of illustrative plans and perspectives of the proposed facility. The public is invited to the following meetings at City Hall, 1666 N Main St. in Walnut Creek:

— Jan. 9, 2024: Park, Recreation and Open Space meeting: Review of Buildings and Site Layout (Please note that this meeting is focusing on the building, while a 2nd PROS meeting will be held in February to review the proposed Aquatic Facilities)

—Jan. 17, 2024: Design Review Commission meeting: Review of Buildings and Site Layout

—Feb. 1, 2024: Youth Commission meeting: Review of Buildings, Site Layout and Aquatic Facilities

—Feb. 5, 2024: Park, Recreation and Open Space meeting; Review of Aquatic Facilities

Agendas for the above-mentioned meetings are posted to the city's website the Friday before each meeting.

The project is underway and the design phase will come to completion in spring 2025. This phase of work involves the creation of detailed design documents, such as landscape plans, floor plans, pool plans, building exteriors and finish selection. The construction phase is likely to take two years, from summer 2025 through summer 2027, city officials said.

As currently envisioned, the existing Community Center will be demolished for the new combined facility to be built, while Clarke Swim Center is projected to remain open to the public throughout the construction period.

There is a project webpage, and the city will post additional information next month.