CITY HALL §1 FRANK H. OGAWA PLAZA, 2nd Floor § OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA 94612 Honorable Treva Reid Councilmember, District 7 CITY OF OAKLAND 510-238-7007 [email protected] MEMORANDUM
FROM: Councilmember Treva Reid SUBJECT: Resolution Renaming The East Oakland Sports Center To The Larry E. Reid Sports Center, In Honor Of His Legacy And Dedication And Service To Oakland Dear City Council Colleagues and Members of the Public, It is my honor to bring forward this request, in partnership with elected officials, Neighborhood Councils, and community leaders, for the Council to adopt a resolution renaming the East Oakland Sports Center to the Larry E. Reid Sports Center in honor of his legacy, dedication, and service to Oakland. I extend my gratitude to Councilmembers Rebecca Kaplan, Noel Gallo, and Dan Kalb for co-sponsoring this resolution. Councilmember Larry Reid tirelessly served Oakland’s District 7 for 24 years (1997–2021), holding notable positions such as President of the Oakland City Council and Vice Mayor. His 24 years of service make him the second-longest-serving Councilmember in Oakland’s history, following former Councilmember Frank Ogawa. Councilmember Reid was especially beloved by East Oakland seniors, who appreciated the recreational, health, and wellness programs offered at the Sports Center pool. Many seniors advocated for the pool’s reopening when I came into office, underscoring the center’s value to the community. Councilmember Reid envisioned the East Oakland Sports Center as an accessible and welcoming place for all Oaklanders. The concept for the East Oakland Sports Center originated from Councilmember Reid’s vision of a recreation complex and destination venue for all Oakland residents. Located at 9161 Edes Avenue within William “Bill” Patterson Park, the Sports Center includes a fitness, aquatic, and dance center, as well as the Ira Jinkins Recreation Center, gymnasium, tennis courts, baseball diamond, and toddler playground. �����������������������
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2 Since opening in 2011, the East Oakland Sports Center has been a vital facility for recreation and fitness, particularly for District 7 residents. Originally intended as a potential training site for the 2012 Olympics, the 25,000 sq. ft. center has evolved into Oakland’s premier sports and swim center, offering the following activities: • Group Exercise Classes: Boxing, boot camps, spin, weight training, yoga, and Zumba • Aquatic Center: A 9,000 sq. ft. indoor water park with a white water slide, activity pools, zero-depth entry pool, lazy river, and lap lanes • School of Dance: Classes in K-Pop, Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Martial Arts, and Soul Line Dance • Fitness Center: A 3,600 sq. ft. facility with cardio equipment, free weights, fitness machines, group classes, and personal training • Membership Programs: Affordable daily fees, with monthly, yearly, senior, and youth memberships • Facility Rentals: Pool party room, outdoor picnic area, and water park available for rental The Sports Center has also received recognition for its environmental sustainability, including LEED-Silver certification, and has been awarded for its innovative design, which maximizes natural light. In addition to his pivotal support for the East Oakland Sports Center, Councilmember Reid led transformative development projects in District 7. He championed housing initiatives in Durant Square and along MacArthur Boulevard, revitalized commercial spaces like Foothill Square Shopping Center, and promoted upgrades at major sites such as the Oakland Zoo and Oakland International Airport. His leadership spurred growth in Deep East Oakland and the Hegenberger Corridor, attracting substantial public and private investment. Councilmember Reid notably advocated for the Oakland Airport BART Connector, enhancing airport access and regional connectivity. His efforts brought major retailers like Walmart, Starbucks, In-N-Out, Wing Stop and Raising Canes to Hegenberger Road, establishing it as a leading economic hub and continues to be Oakland’s highest sales-tax revenue generating corridor. Councilmember Reid also supported Auto Row on I-880, now featuring brands like Toyota, Lexus, and Acura, and fostered local entrepreneurship through his annual small business symposium and job fairs, connecting thousands with business and job opportunities. In line with the established procedures for renaming park facilities outlined in Resolutions No. 56600 C.M.S. and No. 65024 C.M.S., our office presented a proposal to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission (PRAC) on November 13, 2024, where it was unanimously approved. This recommendation was subsequently referred to the Rules and Legislation Committee on November 21, 2024, for further consideration by the full Council. There is widespread support from local community leaders, faith leaders, elected officials, and the broader Oakland community for renaming the East Oakland Sports Center. Through our community outreach, we are grateful to have received letters of support from organizations representing thousands of community members, business leaders, and faith leaders. Supporters include:
3 • Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) • Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-18) • Rev. Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson, Allen Temple Baptist Church • Vanessa Russell, Founder and Executive Director, Love Never Fails • Rich Harrison, CEO, Lighthouse Community Public Schools • Beat 31YZ Neighborhood Council • Beat 35X Neighborhood Council • South Hills Neighborhood Council • Port of Oakland I, along with elected officials, Neighborhood Council members, and community leaders, respectfully request that the Council approve renaming the East Oakland Sports Center to the Larry E. Reid Sports Center. This renaming would honor Councilmember Reid’s remarkable service, capturing his vision for an accessible, affordable facility that has served as a vital resource for the community. We hope this recognition will allow us to celebrate and uplift a true community champion together. For questions regarding this report, please contact Haley Hester, Chief of Staff, at [email protected]. Yours in Service, Treva Reid Councilmember, District 7 #OAKLANDLOVELIFE Attachments: • Report to Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission (November 13, 2024)
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CI T Y O F O A K L A N D Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development TO: Tam Tran, Chair, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission FROM: District 7 Councilmember Treva Reid DATE: November 7, 2024 SUBJECT: Request For The Parks And Recreation Advisory Commission To Approve The Recommendation Renaming The East Oakland Sports Center To The Larry E. Reid Sports Center, In Honor Of His Legacy And Dedication And Service To Oakland SUMMARY This report recommends renaming the East Oakland Sports Center to the Larry E. Reid Sports Center in honor of former Councilmember Larry Reid, who tirelessly advocated for and served Oakland’s District 7 for 24 years (1997-2021). Councilmember Reid held several notable positions during his tenure, including President of the Oakland City Council and Vice Mayor of Oakland. His 24 years of service make him the second longest-serving Councilmember in Oakland’s history, following former Councilmember Frank Ogawa, who served for 28 years. The East Oakland Sports Center, located at 9161 Edes Avenue, is a vital facility and has served as a central hub for recreation and fitness for Oakland residents, especially those in District 7, since its opening in 2011. Originally constructed as a potential training site for the 2012 Olympics—before they were ultimately held in London—the 25,000 sq. ft. facility has since evolved into Oakland’s premier sports and swim center. It features a 9,000 sq. ft. indoor water park, a 3,000 sq. ft. dance studio, and various other amenities for fitness and recreation. The East Oakland Sports Center has also received recognition for its environmentally conscious efforts, including LEED-Silver certification, and has been awarded for its innovative architectural design, which maximizes natural light while effectively controlling solar gain. Councilmember Reid was instrumental in the construction of the East Oakland Sports Center, helping the Community and Economic Development Agency secure $11 million in funding from Measure DD via Resolution 81488. In addition to his pivotal support for the East Oakland Sports Center, Councilmember Reid led transformative development projects in District 7. He championed housing initiatives in Durant Square and along MacArthur Boulevard, revitalized commercial spaces like Foothill Square Shopping Center, and promoted upgrades at major sites such as the Oakland Zoo and Oakland International Airport. His leadership spurred growth in Deep East Oakland and the Hegenberger Corridor, attracting substantial public and private investment. Reid notably advocated for the Oakland Airport BART Connector, enhancing airport access and regional connectivity. His efforts brought major retailers like Walmart, Starbucks, In-N-Out, Wing Stop and Raising Canes to Hegenberger Road, establishing it as a leading economic hub and continues to be Oakland’s highest sales-tax revenue generating corridor. Reid also supported Auto Row on I-880, now featuring brands like Toyota, Lexus, and Acura, and fostered
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local entrepreneurship through his annual small business symposium and job fairs, connecting thousands with business and job opportunities. FISCAL IMPACT Renaming the East Oakland Sports Center may incur one-time costs related to updating internal and external signage and other public information materials. Due to specific site requirements and the specialized nature of this project, the City of Oakland’s Public Works (OPW) team is unable to replace the existing signage in-house. To establish a more precise budget, OPW will request a quote from the contractor awarded the upcoming pool upgrade project at the Sports Center. This quote will be requested immediately following the contract award, allowing an estimated budget to be included in the subsequent Council report, should additional funding approval be needed. Our office is also exploring potential funding sources with community partners for project-related costs. The project may entail: • One-time costs: Related to the fabrication and installation of new signage at the East Oakland Sports Center • Communications and Information Updates: Updates to OPRYD and other City public information materials, including maps and facility listings, which could be absorbed within existing operational budgets • Plaque Installation: Purchase and installation of a plaque in a prominent location to be managed by OPW • Interior and Exterior Signage: Purchase and installation of exterior signage, also to be overseen by OPW PROJECT / PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The proposed renaming of the East Oakland Sports Center to the Larry E. Reid Sports Center commemorates Councilmember Reid’s enduring contributions to East Oakland and his remarkable 24-year tenure. Originally envisioned as a potential Olympic training site, the center evolved into a premier community recreation facility under his leadership, opening in 2011 as a 25,000-square-foot LEED-Silver certified complex with a 9,000-square-foot indoor water park, dance studios, and versatile spaces for fitness and wellness programs. The facility's state-of-the-art glass and metal design maximizes natural light and has been recognized by architectural organizations including AIA San Francisco, AIA East Bay, and Athletic Business. To support the renaming, the project may include several one-time costs for the fabrication and installation of new signage around the East Oakland Sports Center, updating OPRYD and other City public information materials such as maps and facilities lists, which could be absorbed into existing operational budgets, and installing a commemorative plaque and exterior signage, both managed by OPW. Through Reid’s advocacy and strategic use of Measure DD funding, Oakland invested $11 million to bring this facility to life, making it one of few LEED-certified natatoriums serving underinvested communities nationwide. Renaming the center would celebrate Reid’s legacy and reinforce its mission to provide affordable, quality recreation for all—a goal he championed for
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District 7. Following established city procedures, this renaming aligns with his vision for inclusive community development, exemplifying his commitment to enhancing East Oakland’s quality of life. BACKGROUND / LEGISLATIVE HISTORY The East Oakland Sports Center was born from an ambitious vision shaped over two decades of community planning and development, largely thanks to former Councilmember Reid. Initially envisioned as a potential Olympic training facility for the 2012 Games, before London was chosen as the host city, the project evolved into a comprehensive community recreation center. Collaborating with ESL Architecture and Urban Design, the City of Oakland developed this state-of-the-art, 25,000-square-foot facility, which opened on June 30, 2011. It now features a 9,000-square-foot indoor water park with slides and multiple activity pools, a 3,000-square-foot dance studio, and offers a wide range of programs, including aquatics, dance, yoga, and weight training. The center’s modern infrastructure includes an innovative glass and metal-clasp design that maximizes natural light, earning it LEED-Silver certification and making it one of the few LEED-Silver certified natatoriums serving underinvested communities in the U.S. The center’s design and community impact have also been recognized by prestigious organizations, including AIA San Francisco, AIA East Bay, and Athletic Business. The development of this facility was made possible through the legislative and financial support of Councilmember Reid and his colleagues, with key measures including: • 2010, Resolution 82859: Allocated $1,200,000 through Measure DD Series 2003A • 2009, Resolution 82425: Allocated $275,000 • 2009, Resolution 81775: Allocated $2,000,000 from Oakland Redevelopment Agency Funds and $5,100,000 from WW Regional Open Space, Wildlife, Shoreline, and Park Bond Funding • 2008, Resolution 81488: Allocated $8,415,000 from Measure DD Series 2003A, B, and C • 2008, Resolution 81418: Authorized up to $11,900,000 for a construction manager at risk contract, including $8,415,000 from Measure DD Series B Funds • 2008, Resolution 81261: Allocated $140,000 from Measure DD Public Arts Funds Renaming the East Oakland Sports Center to the Larry E. Reid Sports Center would honor Councilmember Reid’s remarkable 24-year tenure (1997–2021). During his time in office, Councilmember Reid held numerous prominent roles, including President of the Oakland City Council, Vice Mayor of Oakland, Chair of the Alameda County Transportation Commission, and President of the Joint Powers Authority. His legacy in District 7 includes major developments, such as the construction of a 48,000-square-foot Food Maxx, mixed housing developments along Durant Square and MacArthur Boulevard, the revitalization of Foothill Square Shopping Center, and improvements to key facilities like the Oakland Zoo, the Coliseum, Oakland Airport, Hegenberger Business Corridor and the BART Airport Connector. The East Oakland Sports Center remains true to Councilmember Reid’s original vision of accessibility and affordability, offering reasonable daily fees despite inflationary pressures and serving as a valuable resource for the entire Oakland community. This facility uplifts his remarkable commitment and advocacy to secure significant investment in the health and vitality of East Oakland children and families to thrive for generations.
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RECOMMENDATION Councilmember Treva Reid, along with Neighborhood Council and community leaders, recommends the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission approve renaming the East Oakland Sports Center to the Larry E. Reid Sports Center in honor of his legacy and dedicated service to Oakland. We hope the timing of this recognition allows us to celebrate and uplift our community champion to witness with us. Respectfully submitted, Treva Reid Councilmember District 7 Prepared by: Haley Hester, Chief of Staff Nadia Morales-Saleh, Legislative Analyst