Rainbow Recreation Center

Rainbow Recreation Center is a community facility located in Oakland, California. Originally built in the 1970s, the center has been a focal point for neighborhood activities for decades. In recent years, the facility underwent a significant renovation and expansion to better serve the local community.

The recreation center sits on a 1.85-acre park in Oakland's Seminary District. The main building spans 14,585 square feet, which includes the original 9,985 square foot structure and a 4,600 square foot addition. The renovated facility features a gymnasium, kitchen and pantry, large multipurpose room, workout room, daycare facility, and computer lab.

Outside, the park offers various recreational amenities for visitors of all ages. The grounds include basketball courts, a playground, a tot lot for younger children, and open green spaces. As part of the renovation project, the underutilized tennis courts were converted into a turf soccer field, addressing the community's desire for more diverse sporting options. The park also incorporates an edible educational garden and an outdoor exercise area.

Rainbow Recreation Center provides a range of programs and activities for the community. These include drop-in basketball, arts and crafts classes, and programs for seniors. The center also hosts a digital arts and culinary academy, offering educational opportunities for local youth. A unique feature of the park is its skateboard area, where visitors can bring their own boards or borrow equipment from the center.

The renovation project, completed in 2019, aimed to modernize the facility while preserving its role as a community hub. The design process involved extensive community engagement, with multiple meetings held to gather input and ensure the final design reflected the neighborhood's vision. The renovated center has been certified LEED Silver, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.