Through the San Francisco Recreation and Parks, the Bureau of Architecture was retained to prepare an existing assessment study and conceptual design program for the Junipero Serra Playground at 300 Stonecrest Drive. The study was an assessment of the one story clubhouse and grounds along with recommendations for building and site improvements, including accessibility for persons with disabilities. The Recreation and Parks accepted and approved the conceptual program and it became the basis for a capital improvement project.
 

Hamilton Recreation Center and Playground is a large multi-use facility located at the corner of Geary Bouelvard and Steiner Streets. Two large structures built in 1956 house a community pool and gymnasium and smaller building offices, a community room and kitchen. A children’s playground is located to the south of the pool building along with tennis and volleyball courts and parking. A grass play field is located directly west of the buildings. The dated facility did not conform to current codes or the current needs of the community.
 

Designed by Public Works’ Building Design & Construction, the revamped park includes a new accessible playground with an embankment slide, a dome-shaped climbing structure, natural boulders and sandbox; an improved Elk Street entry and safe drop-off area; accessible pathways; more than 160 new native and Mediterranean trees; and inviting landscaping.
 

Fulton Playground is located in the Outer Richmond neighborhood. The playground and the historically significant William Merchant-designed clubhouse were redesigned and renovated by Public Works to meet the Recreation and Park Department’s programmatic and operational needs and the demands of the park users. The outdoor play areas and courts were redesigned to comply with accessibility and modern play structure codes.

Originally constructed in 1957, Coffman Pool is located at the southeastern entrance of McLaren Park. The facility underwent a major renovation completed in 2008, which included a new entry lobby, reception area, public restrooms, locker rooms, a family changing room, staff and support spaces, and an outdoor patio. The existing pool shell and mechanical room were found to be in sound condition and were updated to meet current standards.
 

Public Works provided the architectural and landscape design, engineering and construction management services for the renovation of the Cayuga Playground and construction of the new Cayuga Clubhouse on behalf of Recreation and Parks Department.
 

The project workscope includes the repair and renovation of the play area, tennis and basketball courts; restoration of existing pathways; upgrades to the irrigation and lighting systems; improved accessibility, and overall reconditioning of the park landscape and sitting areas.
 

The Cabrillo Playground and Clubhouse project, designed by Public Works, included the renovation of the 1,234 square-foot clubhouse, a tennis court, two basketball courts and children’s play areas. The clubhouse renovation included seismic and accessibility upgrades; a new kitchen; upgraded building systems; restored woodwork, windows and ceilings; and new period light fixtures. The playground, which is now 1 1/2 times larger than before, is designed around a pirate theme and has two distinct play areas for children of different ages.

On behalf of the Recreation and Park Department, We provided architectural, landscape design, engineering and construction management services for the new Betty Ann Ong Chinese Recreation Center. Amid lion dancers, musicians, elected officials and hundreds of community residents, the new complex opened to the public on July 14, 2012.
 

On October 17, 1989, the Loma Prieta earthquake caused widespread damage to the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco. San Franciscans reacted decisively by approving a bond measure of $332 million to repair and seismically upgrade a number of civic buildings, including $49.5 million for the Opera House. Key elements involved in the restoration of this historic landmark were the seismic retrofits, assessibility, upgrading of all theatrical systems with state-of-the-art technology and restoration of the historic finishes to the facility.

In May, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), San Francisco chapter, recognized Public Works with two awards for its project at 525 Golden Gate Avenue; the new home of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. The project won for its ‘Integrated Project Delivery’ a best practice that results in improved coordination and a timely delivery. It also won for ‘Excellence in Unbuilt Design.’ Visit AIA's 2010 San Francisco Design Awards program for more information.