By Brett Callwood
On the evening of Wednesday, June 24, the City of Gardena’s Community Aquatic and Senior Center saw its grand opening and ribbon cutting. While the venue opened its doors back in mid March for the annual State of the City, this was the official, public opening.
“Today is more than the opening of a new facility—it is the realization of a vision,” said Mayor Tasha Cerda in her speech. “A vision to create a place where residents of all ages can come together to learn, play, exercise, and build lasting memories.”
Back in December 2023, the project was awarded to New Dynasty Construction Company, in the amount of $16,870,644. The plans and specifications were also approved: $34,675 Additional Services Agreement with RJM Design Group, $195,340 Additional Services Agreement with Griffin Structures, 10% of Project Contingency, and Budget Appropriation of $6,206,867 from General Fund Reserve.
A staff note detailed the specs: “The proposed Senior Center, spanning approximately 12,000 square feet on two levels, incorporates the programs identified in the grant application, community outreach, and the conceptual design development phase. The Senior Center will feature a reception/lobby, restroom, conference room, office, breakroom, storage room, and kitchen/pantry. Additionally, shared use program rooms, a study lounge, balcony, custodial and IT/electrical rooms will be available. The building will be equipped with fiber optic communication capability, an audiovisual system, security key cards, and photovoltaic system.
“The new Aquatic Center will encompass 7,020 square feet and will include a 25-yard, 8-lane, 3⁄4-meter diving stand, and pool exercise/leisure area. The Aquatic Center will feature a main entrance, outdoor showers, bleacher seating, seat walls, shade structures, a pool equipment/mechanical room, and pool storage. The outdoor courtyard will accommodate exercise stations, ADA accessible drinking fountain, picnic tables, site lighting and furnishings, tree and shrub planting, irrigation, hardscape paving, walls, barbecue grill and lawn area, and ADA parking stalls, utility service lines and all other incidental elements.”
In March’s State of the Cerda pointed to “a year of construction and investment,” with 6,554 inspections completed, 1,561 permits issued, $38 million in construction valuation increase, and 3,405 customers served. In addition, there were three grand openings, 281 new in-city businesses and 443 out-of-city businesses.
This week at the opening, she said that, “This Aquatic Center represents our commitment to investing in quality recreational opportunities and enhancing the health and well-being of our community. From swim lessons and water safety programs to recreational swimming and family events, this facility will serve as a gathering place for generations to come. For many children, this will be where they learn to swim for the very first time. For families, it will be a place to spend time together and create special memories. For our seniors and active adults, it will provide opportunities to stay healthy, engaged, and connected. And for our entire community, it will be a source of pride.”
Nikki Sweeney, Interim Director, Recreation and Human Services, said that, “As a resident of the City and someone who grew up using Primm Municipal Pool, it is truly amazing to see what the City has accomplished with the new Gardena Community Aquatic and Senior Center. This project has been a long time coming, and thanks to the hard work and dedication of former Director Stephany Santin, Mayor Tasha Cerda, City Council, and staff across multiple departments, Measure G funding, and other funding sources, we have created an exciting new facility for our community to enjoy for generations to come. I am incredibly proud to have been a part of bringing this vision to life. This is a facility that our City truly deserves, and I look forward to seeing families and residents create lasting memories here for years to come.”
Mayor Cerda point to the fact that Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ support led to Gardena “receiving $1.4 million in federal grant funding. The $8.5 million received from the California Department of Parks and Recreation as a result of Prop 68.”
She also thanked the Council, including former member Art Kaskanian, and City Staff: “Our Public Works, Recreation, and Human Services Departments, the project consultants, contractors, and community stakeholders who helped bring this project from concept to reality. It’s an understatement to say that all of your hard work, advocacy and belief in this project-have made today possible.”
Immediately prior to the ribbon cutting, Mayor Cerda concluded by thanking Gardena’s residents. “Your support, feedback, and belief in the importance of community spaces help guide investments like this one. This Aquatic Center belongs to all of you, and we are proud to open its doors today.”
