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BASE Community Center
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Montrose Community Recreation Center + Field House
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South Lake Tahoe Recreation & Aquatics Center
South Lake Tahoe, California
The South Lake Tahoe Recreation & Aquatics Center is envisioned as a multigenerational destination rooted in Tahnu Leweh—the Washoe Tribe’s name for Lake Tahoe, meaning “all the people’s place.” Designed to celebrate the region’s natural and cultural identity, the facility brings aquatics, recreation, and community gathering together in a flexible, sustainable environment that supports wellness for residents and visitors alike.
LocationSouth Lake Tahoe, California
ClientCity of South Lake Tahoe
TypeRecreation
CategoryAquatics, Multigenerational, Planning + Studies, Certified Sustainable
Square Footage60,000
Completion2026
Partners
Inspired by local precedents, the exterior is stepped back to enhance lake and tree views. Photos by Chris Beck.
A Place to Gather
As a project goal, the facility is shaped by the idea of gathering, bringing people together across ages, abilities, and backgrounds. The plan organizes major program areas as destinations connected by a central social heart, encouraging interaction while supporting flexibility and ease of use. This approach aligns with the City’s vision to create a welcoming, accessible, and adaptable recreation hub that supports wellbeing for all.
Design: A Celebration of Place
The design of the Recreation & Aquatic Center is rooted in a deep respect for its setting, both cultural and environmental. South Lake Tahoe exists between two defining conditions: the Sierra Nevada mountains (Terra) and Lake Tahoe (Aqua). This unique threshold informs the project’s primary design threads:
- Gathering – Reflecting Tahnu Leweh, the building acts as a place for all people to come together. This idea is expressed through a central gathering space that anchors the building and directs users to the aquatics and gymnasium destinations.
- Liminal – Expressing the “in-between” condition where land meets water, activity meets rest, and community meets individual experience.
The design prioritizes a Celebration of Place, integrating timeless architectural expression with the surrounding landscape and climate. Views, daylight, and material choices connect users to the natural environment while supporting an efficient, flexible, and sustainable facility.
A site goal was to preserve as many trees as possible
Views of Lake Tahoe
Places of Interest
Design Threads
Central social heart connects the building to the park and lake views - Image by JKAE
Concept Floor Plan: First Floor
Concept Floor Plan: Second Floor
Site Analysis - Image by JKAE
Elevation shows the stepped-back design - Image by JKAE
Amenities
The center brings together aquatics, recreation, and community programming in a clear and connected layout anchored by a central gathering space. Amenities include a 6-lane lap pool, 2,500 SF activity pool with party room, two-court gymnasium for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball, fitness and weight areas, group exercise studio, arts and crafts spaces, and senior programming. A second-level event center with a deck overlooking Lake Tahoe provides a unique venue for community gatherings, while intuitive circulation and strong visual connections between program areas support ease of navigation.
The Lakeview Room connects to the second floor deck for added event space
Resilience & Sustainability
Designed for the Tahoe Basin’s climate and long-term performance, the facility integrates resilient and sustainable strategies:
- Targeting LEED Gold performance
- All-electric systems, including a commercial kitchen (pool mechanical systems are gas-fired)
- VRF mechanical system for energy efficiency
- Full-building generator backup for emergency shelter use
- Roof forms designed to shed heavy snow loads
Aquatics includes an activity pool and a 6-lane lap pool
The two-court gymnasium includes striping for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball and an elevated walk/jog track outlines the perimeter.
