Walnut Creek Breaks Ground at Heather Farm Park

On February 18. the City of Walnut Creek held its groundbreaking for a new Aquatic and Community Center at Heather Farm Park.

The event was aimed at recognizing the next phase in the plan to replace the aging Aquatic and Community Centers. They are both more than 50 years old, and have outlived their useful lives.

Mayor Kevin Wilk spoke, along with representatives from the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission, and the Walnut Creek Aquatic Foundation.

Mayor Wilk said, “This is the biggest construction project the City has ever done, and we are so proud to be able to bring the new pools and community center to our residents.” The project is being funded in large part by Measure O funds approved by voters in 2022.

Timeline: 

Summer 2025 through 2027 — Anticipated construction phase. Please view the full timeline for details.

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. Typical construction hours are 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with weekend work authorized as necessary. Please be advised that some noise is anticipated in connection with the construction and barriers, such as fencing, will be used throughout the project for pedestrian safety.

The Conceptual Site Plan

The Conceptual Site Plan is the foundational document for the future design of replacing the existing Community Center and Clarke Swim Center at Heather Farm Park into a combined facility. It currently encompasses a 4.7-acre site with a combined community center and aquatic facility with a large indoor gathering space, several multi-purpose rooms and classrooms, outdoor event terraces, a 50-meter lap pool, a recreational pool, a bathhouse, and a mechanical pool building. The total building square footage for the facility is currently estimated to be between 25,000 and 27,000 square feet. The Walnut Creek City Council accepted the original conceptual site plan on February 7, 2023, and a revised version that shows the current design development was accepted by Walnut Creek City Council on April 16, 2024 (depicted below). This plan will continue to be the guiding document for developing more detailed design plans.

For more information on the project: Click Here

Editors note:

According to the City, the project is estimated to cost $77 million upon full completion and will finish construction by Summer of 2027.  The facility will include: 

Funded largely by Measure O, the voter-approved sales tax measure passed in 2022, the new facility will replace aging centers with revitalized amenities designed to serve the community for decades to come. The project reflects a shared investment in high-quality recreation and gathering spaces. 

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• Feb 2025 – Walnut Creek to Hold Heather Farms Groundbreaking Event
• Aug 2025 – Work Begins on Heather Farms Lakes in Walnut Creek