SAN FRANCISCO—San Francisco’s Recreation and Parks Commission approved of designs for the new Herz Recreation Center Project in Sunnyvale. The announcement came on Thursday, March 18.
The new 11,500 square foot rec center will feature an indoor basketball court with bleachers, a multi-purpose room, restrooms, and associated staff spaces such as offices. An outdoor plaza, adult fitness equipment, and improved lighting and landscape will also be included. It will serve as a “much needed recreation center on the south side of San Francisco, and the goal is to create a clean, safe, warm and modern resource for all” the commission stated.
The Recreation and Park Department is partnering with the HOPE SF Team, including Mercy Housing, The Boys and Girls Club, and Related CA, to build the Herz center, which will be located within the 312 acres of the John McLaren Park. HOPE SF is the nation’s first large-scale community development and reparations initiative aimed at creating vibrant, inclusive, mixed-income communities without mass displacement of the original residents.
A 25,000 square foot community center called The Hub has already been planned, which will offer childcare services and additional recreational facilities. The Hub, in conjunction with the Herz Center, serve as “a great example of public and private partners working together to make a difference in our City” said Mayor London Breed.
According to the Commission’s statement, the Sunnyvale/Visitacion Valley community has one of the highest percentages of youth under the age of 18 of any neighborhood in San Francisco, and has “long struggled with crime.” They hope the new rec center will serve as a friendly and safe environment for the community to come together.
The funding comes from private investors and as part of the $487.5 million Health and Recovery Bond passed in November 2020.
