New Aquatic Center at Orange Memorial Park

• 24,000 SF single-story facility
• Two Pools - a 25-yard cool water lap pool and a separate warm water teaching/recreation pool
• Swimmer’s lounge and locker rooms
• Rentable multi-use/party rooms

$49 Million, utilizing funds from a future Measure W bond sale.

• Programming and Planning: Summer 2021 - Spring 2022
• Design & Community Engagement: Spring 2022 - Summer 2023
• Bid & Award of Contract: Winter 2023
• Start of Construction: Early 2024
• Grand Opening: 2026

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Become Part of South San Francisco’s Newest Public Artwork!

Leave your mark on the New Aquatic Center by helping create a permanent community mosaic that will be enjoyed for generations to come! Join artist team Rachel Rodi and Guy Fuerte on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Joseph Fernekes Recreation Building – 781 Tennis Drive, for this unique public art experience.

There are two ways to participate:

1. Create the Mosaic
   Community members who have completed 6th grade or older are invited to register for a limited hands-on workshop session. Learn mosaic making techniques while helping construct a permanent public artwork for the New Aquatic Center. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and spaces are limited for each session. Register under the Cultural Arts tab at: www.ssfca.gov/rec-catalog
2. Observe the Process
   Drop-in anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to watch the artists and community volunteers bring the mosaic to life.  Visitors can also enjoy a mosaic themed coloring activity while observing the creative process. No pre-registration is required.

For questions, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (650) 829-3800 or email cultural.arts@ssfca.gov.

Construction of the new Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center continues to make significant progress toward completion, with major milestones achieved over the past two months.

June-July Construction Highlights:

• Installation of drywall, wall tile, and flooring throughout the facility.
• Continued installation of lighting fixtures, suspended ceilings, and interior finishes.
• Advanced installation of mechanical ductwork throughout the building.
• Installed synthetic turf on the outdoor recreation pool deck.
• Continued construction of concrete pedestrian pathways around the perimeter of the facility.
• Advanced installation of the building's architectural metal cladding, wood siding, exterior pool screening, and mechanical equipment screening.
• Constructed the new trash enclosure along Tennis Drive.
• Removed construction trailers from the site, allowing grading, drainage improvements, and installation of the lawn area between the aquatic center and Colma Creek to move forward.
• Reached a major project milestone with PG&E's issuance of the facility's permanent power "green tag," enabling final electrical utility connections to proceed.

Project Schedule
While the overall project schedule has been extended, City staff continues to work closely with the construction manager and contractor to finalize a recovery schedule and refine the timeline for the closure of the existing Orange Pool and opening of the new Aquatic Center. Based on the current schedule, completion of Phase 1 is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The City remains committed to delivering a state-of-the-art aquatic facility that will serve the community for generations to come and will continue to provide construction updates as the project progresses.

Construction of the Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center continues with significant progress over the past couple of months. Recent efforts are evident on the exterior and interior of the building. 

March into May Highlights:

• Exterior wall weatherproofing, vapor barriers, and insulation are nearing completion.
• Installation of wood cladding on the building is underway.
• Metal cladding has been installed on the building facade.
• Exterior painting and stucco finishes is nearly complete.
• Nearly all swimming pool mechanical equipment has been installed.
• Drywall in the lobby, locker-rooms, activity room and offices is complete.
• Locker-room tile installation is nearly complete.
• Grading to replace the lawn area between the Aquatic Center and Colma Creek will start in the coming weeks.

The coming weeks will see removal of construction trailers to allow grading and replacement of the lawn area between the Aquatic Center and Colma Creek.  Mechanical equipment will be placed on the roof and work will begin on construction of the trash enclosure at the Tennis Drive Parking Lot.

We appreciate the community’s continued patience as this state-of-the-art facility takes shape.

Construction of the Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center continues to advance steadily, with substantial progress achieved during the first two months of 2026. Recent efforts have concentrated on enclosing the building and completing exterior systems to make the building water-tight.

January–February Highlights:

• Installation of metal cladding and composite siding is underway.
• Exterior wall weatherproofing, vapor barriers, and insulation are nearing completion.
• Storefront glass installation at the lobby and natatorium is in progress.
• Roofing at the natatorium is complete, with finishing work ongoing at the lower roof areas.

Construction activities were affected by several days of heavy rain and saturated soil conditions earlier this year. However, as the structure becomes fully enclosed, interior work will be able to proceed with minimal disruption during future rain events.

We appreciate the community’s continued patience as this state-of-the-art facility takes shape.

Construction Update - 12/29/25

The Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center continues to make significant strides as 2025 comes to a close. With key overhead and envelope milestones underway, the project is progressing steadily toward its final architectural form.

Recent efforts have focused on painting, overhead MEP installations, rooftop preparations, mechanical room work, and ongoing insulation. Site activity remains robust with coordinated trades across all wings of the facility.

Work highlights from November and December:

• Overhead painting has been completed in key natatorium areas, clearing the way for HVAC and lighting fixture installation to begin on schedule.
• Rooftop curbs have been installed and inspected, with roof waterproofing prep now underway.
• Wall and ceiling insulation is in progress across multiple zones.
• Mechanical and electrical rooms are actively receiving equipment and connections.
• Scoreboard and light pole footings are complete near the outdoor pool; painting of wind screen fencing has also wrapped up.
• The team is preparing for storefront and composite siding installation in the upcoming weeks, which will begin to shape the final appearance of the facility.

Public Art - 9/20/25

Community members are encouraged to view and provide feedback on art concept proposals for a public art interior wall mural at the New Aquatic Center at Orange Memorial Park.

Meet the prospective artists or their representatives.
Where: Concert in the Park, Orange Memorial Park meadow near the Parks and Recreation tents
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time: Between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
See the flyer in English (or in Spanish)

The art concept proposals will be available for viewing and to share your feedback at the Orange Pool lobby and on this project page 9/21-10/3.

Help shape the artwork that will brighten and inspire our community for years to come!

See the mural concepts and provide your input!

Take the survey

Survey closes on October 3, 2025.

Construction Update - 9/12/25

Construction at the Aquatic Center continues to make strong progress.

Indoor Pool Deck Completed – On September 10, crews successfully poured the indoor pool deck concrete after completing all underground mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work. This marks a major milestone for the project.

Outdoor Pool Deck Progress – Work is advancing on the outdoor pool area, with rebar installation underway and the slot drain concrete placed this week. The remaining deck pours are scheduled in the coming weeks.

Building Interior Advancements – Crews have continued framing, installing mechanical and electrical systems, and setting equipment in the mechanical room. Rooftop curbs and waterproofing work are also progressing.

Key Inspection Passed – PG&E has approved inspections of the new electrical panelboards, allowing follow-on systems work to continue without delay.

Materials Delivered and Shipping – Several long-lead items are being managed closely. The composite wood siding (Innowood, manufactured in Australia) has shipped and will arrive on site in the coming weeks. Other key items — including lockers, roof waterproofing materials, and major mechanical units — have already been delivered to the jobsite.

Neighborhood Care – Dust and noise control measures remain in place to minimize impacts on nearby homes, while site work continues steadily without interruption to the surrounding community.

Construction Update - 8/6/25

The Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center continues to make steady progress across key work scopes.

Below-Deck Plumbing and Electrical Infrastructure Installation

All underground plumbing and electrical work beneath the pool decks has been successfully completed. The work involved installation of essential utilities required to support pool operations and facility services. Following inspection approvals, the area was backfilled and is now prepared for base rock and subsequent concrete placement.

Overhead Fire Sprinkler Installation

Installation of the overhead fire sprinkler system is currently underway, with approximately 25% of the building covered to date. Work is being performed in coordination with other overhead trades, including HVAC, electrical, and ceiling support systems, to avoid conflicts and ensure proper clearances and local fire code requirements. At this time, no delays or constraints have impacted progress.

Interior Metal Stud Wall Framing and Drywall

Interior metal stud wall framing is actively progressing across the building, with framing approximately 30% complete. This scope spans multiple interior areas simultaneously, including locker rooms, office spaces, and mechanical rooms. The drywall phase will commence shortly, following completion of framing in each area. Wall layout has been coordinated with embedded utilities, framing tolerances, and door/window opening requirements.

Pool Tile Installation – Outdoor Pool

Tile installation has started at the outdoor pool and is approximately 10% complete. The work is progressing steadily and is being carried out in line with the project’s overall design intent. Indoor pool tile installation will begin at a later phase. Care is being taken to ensure a clean, high-quality finish that aligns with the project’s overall aesthetic.

Perimeter Windscreen Framework Construction

Most of the perimeter windscreen framework has been installed, including structural steel posts and stem walls. Screen panel installation will take place later this summer.

Call For Artists - Deadline 6/10/25

Request for Qualifications – Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center Mural Project

The City of South San Francisco invites qualified artists or artist teams to submit their qualifications for the design and creation of a public art mural to be located at the Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center. This project is intended to enhance the visual and cultural identity of the area and foster community engagement.

Project Vision: Originally opened in 1970, Orange Pool is the city's only indoor municipal swimming pool and a year-round hub for recreation, swim instruction, and health programs. In response to overwhelming demand and aging infrastructure, a new aquatic center is being constructed adjacent to the current pool.

The new facility will become a cornerstone of community wellness and engagement. Artists are encouraged to explore themes of community pride, environmental awareness, and playful elements inspired by aquatic or recreational activities in their designs.

DETAILS

• Budget: Up to $50,000
• Submission Deadline: June 10, 2025, or first 250 applicants.
• Location: Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center, 1 West Orange Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080.
• Eligibility: Open to all professional artists and artist teams; preference with those with connections to the San Francisco Bay Area
• Medium: Proposals may include traditional painted works, mosaic installations, or other durable, wall-integrated materials.
• Questions: Regarding this RFQ must be submitted to Ann Berchtold, SSF Public Art

Consultant at aberchtold@migcom.com by June 3rd, 2025 (by 5:00 PM PST)

Applications accepted only via CaFÉ (Call for Entry.org)
To apply, visit https://bit.ly/ACmural_SSF25

For more information on the City’s Cultural Arts Program, visit www.ssf.net/CulturalArts.

Construction Update - 5/20/25

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The current pool is still open!

Hours and More Information

Will the old pool be open while the new pool is under construction?

Yes. The existing Orange Pool has remained open throughout construction of the new Aquatic Center. Before the new facility opens to the public, there will likely be a brief transition period during which the existing Orange Pool will close. This temporary closure will allow staff to complete the move into the new facility, conduct staff training, test building systems, and prepare the Aquatic Center for public opening.

What will happen to the old pool?

Once construction of the new aquatic center is complete, the old pool will be demolished to accommodate parking and park features.

Will the pool depth accommodate water polo?

The outdoor pool can accommodate full course water polo using deck mounted goals.

With doors opening to the outdoors, how will the wind be regulated on the indoor pool deck?

All exterior doors accessing the indoor pool/natatorium will feature self-closing mechanisms to limit wind impacts onto the pool deck and building interior. The main doors into the indoor pool with be via the lobby, which is enclosed from the natatorium and will help dampen winds. In a scenario with an outdoor lap pool, it’s possible some wind may enter the natatorium via the doors to the outdoor pool deck, however, wind screening will mitigate this. The design team and wind consultant will continue to study this as design progresses.

Will nearby trees be a maintenance issue for the outdoor pool?

Tree species will be selected thoughtfully by the design team and City Arborists in order to limit leaf litter. Trees will be strategically located to provide additional wind protection, yet will be located far enough from the pool itself to minimize the amount of leaf litter that enters the water. Pool covers will be in-place over night to further reduce leaf litter in the pools when not in use. State of the art pool filtration systems, maintenance personnel and robotic vacuum cleaners will address any leaves in the pool.

Locker/changing areas at the existing Orange Pool are small and often crowded. How will crowding be addressed in the new facility?

Locker rooms are sized to exceed typical recommendations for pool facilities of this size. The design also exceeds code requirements with additional lockers, benches, showers, and restroom and toilet fixtures, and changing areas. The design includes two gender neutral/family changing rooms to allow for additional changing areas. One of which will include an adult sized changing table. Several deck showers are also present for the indoor and outdoor pools.

Why doesn’t the outdoor pool have a roof?

Construction of a roof, along with necessary support structure, glazing, lighting and ventilation is roughly $1,000 per square foot and would greatly exceed the project budget. Adding a roof to the outdoor pool would require approximately $42 million in additional funding – nearly double the $49 million project budget. Funding is not available at this time for this expense.

Is the cost of wind screening elements included in the project budget?

Prevailing winds in South San Francisco come from the northwest, with occasional off-shore winds from the south. A robust wind protection element along these edges of the outdoor pool is accounted for in the project budget, as well as a modest wind protection element on the east side of the pool deck.

Are all locker/changing rooms indoors?

All locker/changing rooms are indoors. A set of men’s and women’s locker rooms along with two gender neutral/family changing rooms are accessed from the lobby and indoor pool deck. Another set of indoor men’s and women’s locker rooms is accessed from the outdoor pool deck. In addition to indoor showers, deck showers will be available at the indoor and outdoor pool decks.

Why not build a 50-meter pool?

A 50-meter pool was explored but found infeasible due to impacts to other park programs (soccer, special events, and other game play / activities on the lawn area), greater parking demands and the additional construction costs associated with a larger pool footprint.

Will in-water ledges to support swim lessons be included at either pool?

Ledges and other built-in and moveable elements will be incorporated for lessons, recreation and therapy type activities.

Why include a beach entry when it takes up so much space?

Beach entry is highly desired for learn to swim programs, fun water play, lessons and individuals with mobility challenges who may have difficulty using chairlifts or steps.

Can the outdoor pool be accessed without entering the building?

Entry to both pools will be typically controlled through the front lobby. During special events/competitions, access to the outdoor pool may be controlled by staff from exterior gates.

Will there be diving boards?

While there have been some requests for diving boards, during our community outreach workshops, events and surveys, this amenity was not favored as much as other competing amenities. Diving boards require deep water. Increasing the pool depth to accommodate diving boards would result in additional soil stabilization and mitigation, which is beyond the project budget. However, both the indoor and outdoor pools are designed to accommodate starting blocks for training and competition.

Will there be diving blocks?

Yes, both pools will include diving blocks where depth requirements are achieved for lap and competitive swim.

Will there be markings on the pool bottom and walls for swim competitions?

Markings will be included in both pools in the 25-yard direction. Markings at the outdoor pool in the 25-meter direction will also be included.

Will there be opportunities for solar panels or wind turbines to generate electricity to offset the pool’s utility needs?

The design team explored various options to provide on-site energy generation including geothermal, wind turbines, photovoltaic and traditional solar panels. The City intends to provide solar panels for electricity generation. Batteries for storage and back-up energy are also being explored.

What will happen with the Veterans Memorial?

The Veterans Memorial elements, including the Eternal Flame sculpture and commemorative plaques will be relocated to a new Veteran’s Memorial along the pedestrian pathway between the new Aquatic Center, Fernekes Building and playground. The Veteran’s Memorial will include a new flagpole, lighting, concrete wall to accommodate existing and future commemorative plaques and the Eternal Flame sculpture, accessible paving and seating.

Will both the indoor and outdoor pools be heated?

The indoor pool is expected to be heated at or around the current indoor pool temperature, ~83 degrees. The outdoor pool will also be heated to a comfortable temperature, closer to 78-80 degrees, which is typical for more vigorous lap swimming pools.

Will the new aquatic facility include a sauna?

Operation of a sauna at a municipal facility presents health and safety risks and necessitates extra staff time for maintenance and surveillance. As part of public outreach, other program areas were prioritized in lieu of a sauna. Therefore, a sauna is not planned for the new Aquatic Center.

Will there be adult changing tables for individuals with special needs?

One of the family changing rooms will be equipped with an adult changing table.

Are the soils at the site of the new Aquatic Center contaminated?

The soils themselves are not considered ‘contaminated’ as no pollutants have been identified within the soils.

How much parking will the new facility offer?

In addition to parking available at the Tennis Drive Parking Lot, a new parking lot will include 13 parking spaces, 6 of which will be wheelchair accessible.

Will the pools include ADA lifts?

Both the indoor and outdoor pools will have ADA lifts. The indoor pool also includes a sloped entry with handrails.

How is the project funded?

Total project costs are funded through a Measure W bond sale that occurred in 2022.

When will the new pools open?

The new aquatic facility is anticipated to open in late 2026. Total project completion, including demolition of the existing Orange Pool and construction of the new parking lot and Veteran’s Memorial, is anticipated for early 2027.

Is groundwater anticipated to be an issue during construction?

Testing at the site does not indicate groundwater will be an issue. Any issues during construction will be resolved as part of the soil stabilization process.

In response to the request for clarification of swimming pool water disinfection and sanitation and the use of different systems such as chlorine, ultraviolet, and ozone please see the following:

• California code requires all public swimming pools maintain a disinfectant residual at all times.
• Chlorine is the only halogen approved for residual disinfectant in public pool water.
• Ozone (O3) and Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection systems are point of contact disinfectants and cannot maintain a residual in pool water.
• O3 and UV systems that are certified by an accredited testing agency for cryptosporidium in activation can be used as secondary disinfectants.
• California health code requires a secondary disinfectant for spraygrounds and swimming pools using interactive play in wading depth waters.
• UV is typically used for indoor swimming pools to help control the formation of undesirable chlorine byproducts, which cause chlorine odors and irritation.
• UV is typically the technology of choice over O3 given the ease of operation, the cost of operation, and verifiability of its operation.
• The indoor pool will be specified with UV secondary disinfection to control chlorine byproducts and due to interactive play features.
• A computerized controller will constantly monitor the levels of chlorine and oxidation reduction potential (ORP) to ensure the proper levels of chlorine and increased water quality.
• The computerized controller can be monitored by staff via computers, smart tablets and smart phones.
• Both the indoor pool and outdoor pool will be equipped with computerized controllers.
• The outdoor pool will not operate with a UV system due to its lack of efficacy in an outdoor setting.

For additional questions or information that is not listed here, please email PoolProject@ssfca.gov and a staff member will respond to you.