FAQs
What’s wrong with the current Recreation Center? Why make changes now?
The current Recreation Center is over 40 years old and has undergone multiple major renovations. The facility requires significant roof work. An inspection in early 2020 identified the cost to replace the roof and all the subsequent HVAC systems would require substantial investment. Those investments would not account for the design or layout of the building and would put off the inevitable reality that the building needs to be replaced if it is to meet the needs of the community. Furthermore, it may not meet the expectations of the community in its capacity as an emergency shelter. The building spaces have served the City well but may not be flexible enough to meet the future recreation needs of a changing Foster City demographic.
Why is it important to address this project now?
The rising cost of materials and the labor shortage is driving up the cost of construction. Meanwhile, the City’s investments and savings are not able to keep pace with inflation. These two factors coupled with the fact that the existing roof is expected to have a less-then five-year life is exacerbating the problem. The longer the project is delayed, the more expensive the project will become. The City will have less purchasing power, and there is the risk of a roof failure which will result in more spending on a lost asset.
How much will the improvements/change to the center cost?
The project cost is yet to be determined. The City is engaged in an outreach process gauging the community’s interest, and data gathered will dictate the recommended next steps. Potential options could include renovation or expansion of the existing facility, a complete rebuild of the facility in Leo Ryan Park or other alternatives. The cost of the project will be forecasted as the scope of the project is studied and decided.
How will the project be funded? Will this affect my taxes?
Available funding mechanisms will be identified when costs are better understood. Any direct assessment to taxpayers will be approved by voters as required by law.
How long will the project take? Is there a project timeline?
Phase I (needs assessment and outreach) was conducted through February 2017. The project was included in the Capital Improvement budget in Fiscal year 2017-2018. A Conceptual Design was developed in Fiscal Year 2018-2019. The pandemic halted City efforts on advancing the plan and set into motion the need to seek additional community engagement. Staff plans to go to the City Council at the end of the 2021 calendar year with options and anticipated next steps. Future phases will be defined based on the City Council's direction for the project.
How will the residents or businesses of Foster City be impacted during the construction process? Noise? Traffic?
There are always impacts associated with construction activities. Until the scope of the project is defined, the extent of disruption cannot be determined.
How will normal recreation activities (classes, programs, services etc.) be affected?
Continuity of Recreation programming will be a high priority for the City regardless of the scope of the project. Comprehensive community input and engagement is being sought the remainder of the 2022 calendar year. The results of that multi-pronged community engagement plan will be brought back to the City Council for consideration and next steps. Continuity plans will be developed when the scope of the project is finalized.
What are the proposed changes to the Recreation Center?
There are no specific plans for changes to the Recreation Center, because no decision has been made. Any potential changes would need to be approved by the City Council, following a comprehensive community outreach process. All residents and Foster City businesses are encouraged to be part of that conversation, which is expected to continue through the end of the 2021 calendar year.
Will I get a say in any changes?
The goal of the current Recreation Center Replacement Plan is to gather information about the future trends in Recreation services and the needs of the community for Recreation programming. There will be plenty of opportunity to engage in surveys and provide feedback. In addition to community feedback staff will also be seeing feedback from our corporate partners. We encourage all residents and stakeholders in and outside Foster City city limits to be part of the conversation that will define what changes are recommended for the City Council to consider.
Where can I learn more about the project?
Visit www.fostercity.org/parksrec/project/recreation-center-master-plan-project-cip-301-678 for more information.
