San Bruno residents commemorated a step forward in healing as the city's new $51 million Recreation and Aquatic Center officially opened its doors yesterday. The site stands as a beacon of resilience, born from the tragic 2010 PG&E pipeline explosion that claimed eight lives and caused significant devastation in the Crestmoor neighborhood. "The state-of-the-art Recreation and Aquatic Center stands as both a dedication to the lives forever lost and changed and also as a testament to our community's resilience," said Mayor Rico E. Medina in a statement, reported by SFGate.

The new facility was mainly funded through restitution funds resulting from the explosion, with a $70 million award managed by the San Bruno Community Foundation. The community was directly involved in swiftly putting the funds towards the center after a listening campaign, ensuring the disaster's aftermath could foster a space for connection and growth. The center sports indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a range of basketball, volleyball, and pickleball courts, and additional amenities that cater to diverse recreational needs. "The mayor and I were up in the heat, watching the flames and people running," recalled Medina from the day of the disaster. "I will never forget what I saw", he told the SF Chronicle.

Families were the primary participants at the grand opening, which saw an attendance of around 1,200 people, highlighting the facility's role as a cornerstone for communal gatherings. Mayor Medina, a City Council member during the incident, led tours of the multipurpose complex. With the remaining settlement funds, officials have expressed their commitment to continue strengthening the bond within the community through high school scholarships and community grant programs.

Mayor Medina emphasized the need for the city to rejuvenate and said that the center "meets the recreational needs of San Bruno residents but also strengthens community bonds and ensures something truly positive can come from tragedy," SFGate reported.