"To inspire the diverse communities of Oakland - especially youth - to experience their Estuary waterfront, for purposes of recreation, education, and competition."

Description:
The Jack London Aquatic Center provides facilities and equipment to provide the sports of rowing, kayaking, and dragon boating. Water safety is incorporated into all programs as well as life skills that can be communicated through the sporting activities. We focus the majority of our outreach on Oakland Public School youth especially middle school and high school. The Aquatic Center founded an urban girls rowing program in January 2004 which promotes a holistic approach to the sport and youth. Our goals are to provide youth with an experience that takes them out of the urban environment and opens their minds to accept new experiences and challenges through a supportive, safe, and fun experience.

History:
The Jack London Aquatic Center was founded in 1994 and worked until October 2000 with community leaders and city management to fund and create the Aquatic Center. In January, 2002 the Aquatic Center became the operator and manager of this City owned facility. The Aquatic Center now runs program with the Oakland Unified School District, Oakland Parks and Recreation, and several of Oakland's community groups including the YMCA, churches, and other after school programs. Our focus is on middle school and high school youth.

Contact people:

DeDe Birch, Executive Director, (510) 208-6060, (email) Wil Hobbs, Board President, (510) 433-5428, (email)

Office fax number: (510) 208-6071

Address:

115 Embarcadero Oakland, CA 94606 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.jlac.org

Directions:

JLAC is located on Embarcadero within Estuary Park and is between 5th Ave and Oak St. JLAC is not part of Jack London Square but is located East of the Square.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Lake Merritt Bart Station,   Walk distance (in minutes): 12   Nearest Bus Stop: 15, 15 minute walk