By Friday, April 17, an empty field near the Fremont Main Library had already been fenced off in preparation for a symbolic groundbreaking for the city’s new community center. While the grass was still undisturbed, energy was high and it was easy to imagine a new facility to add to Central Park as a gathering spot.
“When you stand here at Central Park next to our beautiful Lake Elizabeth, with Mission Peak in the background, you’re reminded that this is not just another project site,” said Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan. “This is one of the most special places in the city of Fremont.”
He continued, “For so many of us, this park is personal. It certainly is to me. I grew up coming here when I was a kid. It was one of the few places that was relatively inexpensive to have recreation, visit the library and have lots of things to do. Like many Fremont families, I have memories of walking around the lake, coming here for community events and simply enjoying the simple pleasures of coming here that make Fremont feel like home.”
At the groundbreaking, city manager Karena Shackelford gave an overview of the project’s history. A “modern, multi-use center” to replace the current aging central park facilities (the Teen Center) was part of the city’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan back in 2022. After getting input from 2,600 community members, the city approved the community center in 2024.
The 21,000-square-foot building represents a $51 million investment, with $42 million coming from the city ($28.5 million from the general fund, $11 million from parks capital funds and $2.5 million from Ellis Power) and $9 million from the state.
Stephanie Uchida
Stephanie Uchida
The first two phases of the project, with a planned opening in 2028, will include indoor space for fitness, arts and STEM activities, as well as an event hall with a commercial kitchen. Outdoor space will include a patio, lawn and terrace.
The center also reflects a commitment to sustainability, as an all-electric, solar-powered “net zero” energy building. Later this year, city staff will propose that a trail near the center be named for former Mayor Gus Morrison.
The community center was seen as the worthy successor to Fremont’s Downtown Event Center, which opened in 2021 and hosts the weekly summer Street Eats food truck events and other festivals. Hopefully, the community center will be as lively and also take advantage of its location in the park and walking distance from residential areas.
Lending support of the project to the Fremont City Council, officials attended the groundbreaking: Senator Aisha Wahab, County Supervisor Elisa Márquez, BART president Melissa Hernandez, as well as Assemblymember Alex Lee, who helped secure the $9 million in state funding.
Lee reflected on the balance of technology and nature, change and tradition, saying, “Even though we are hurtling toward a new digital age, the old-school connecting with folks in the park, connecting by Lake Elizabeth, has never changed. In fact, the need for human connection, the need for community spaces, is greater than ever.”
Construction begins the week of April 20.
