California Construction News staff writer
Contractor JUV Inc. broke ground last week on the new Mosswood Community Center in Oakland.
The project is expected to be completed in 2025 and includes a two-story, 12,193 sq.-ft. recreation center and improvements to the iconic park. Funding for the $20.8 million project was provided by Oakland’s 2016 Infrastructure and Affordable Housing Bond Measure KK and 2022 Public Facilities Bond Measure U, as well as grants from the Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit Program and the State of California Natural Resources Agency.
“The new community center and revitalized park will be a vibrant destination for Oakland families to once again gather for civic, cultural, and recreational activities” said Mayor Sheng Thao. “This milestone is the culmination of years of work and the support of our community partners at Kaiser Permanente and the California Natural Resources Agency.
“And of course, none of this would be possible without Oakland voters who are investing in our community through Measures KK and U. Working as One Oakland, we can strengthen community services and facilities so our families can thrive.”
The Community Center will incorporate sustainable design principles and the City’s ‘Art in Public Places’ program. It will be inclusive of a diverse community of users, universally accessible, and flexible in use. The ground floor of the facility includes a social hall, kitchen, inclusion classroom, and office and support spaces. The second floor will include classrooms, a computer lab, a maker space, and an outdoor terrace. The new facility replaces a 1950s-era Recreation Center building that was lost in a fire in November 2016. Following the fire, temporary facilities were installed to house core center programs, such as after school programs, summer camp, computer lab and cooking classes.
Park improvements along the southern portion of the park property include planting, pathways and lighting, improvements to the existing parking lot, a new fire access road at the north side of the building and improved east-west connection across the park.
