Oakley Recreation Center
Oakley, CA
A Sustainable Gathering Place for a Growing Community
Gates Studio served as the prime landscape consultant alongside Siegel & Strain Architects and BKF Engineers to create a new recreation hub for one of the Bay Area’s fastest-growing communities. The 9,500-square-foot Oakley Recreation Center is designed to host a wide range of community recreation activities, including after-school programs and summer camps, complemented by welcoming outdoor spaces that connect the building to its surroundings. The landscape design supports the city’s vision of a youth- and community-focused, sustainable gathering place with shaded plazas, athletic fields, and flexible gathering areas. The result is a functional, welcoming, and environmentally responsible outdoor environment that will serve the City of Oakley for years to come.
This project was completed in 2019.
Key Considerations
Sustainable Water ManagementThe project team developed a stormwater strategy that integrates infiltration basins, vegetated bioswales, and a smart, weather-based irrigation system to capture, filter, and conserve water. Planting areas feature 85% California-native or climate-adapted species selected for low water needs, grouped by hydro zones and irrigation requirements to minimize water use.
Climate Comfort & HabitatLarge deciduous shade trees, strategically placed around gathering areas and parking, as well as along south and west sides of the building, offer summer cooling and winter warmth while reducing heat island effects. Layered plantings enriched with organic compost and protected with recycled mulch create healthy soils, support local pollinators and birds, and minimize ongoing maintenance needs.
Sense of PlaceAn orchard grid arrangement of trees recalls the site’s agricultural roots, while the diverse plant palette blends seasonal colors with the architecture’s tones. Together, these elements create a cohesive, memorable setting that enhances the building’s role as a welcoming landmark for the Oakley community.
Project Details
