The Sports Facilities Companies to Manage Shafter Aquatics Center in California

The Sports Facilities Companies has been selected to manage the Shafter Aquatics Center in Shafter, California, with Brian T. Roe selected as the venue’s general manager.

The announcement comes as the city prepares its return for community use following a major renovation effort after several years offline.

Located approximately 30 minutes north of Bakersfield, the city-owned Shafter Aquatics Center closed during the Covid-19 pandemic, and renovations began in early 2024 with $2.6 million from the state’s Clean California Local Grant Program.

The renewed, community-first venue will include a six-lane, L-shaped pool, a shallow warm-up pool for swim lessons, and a new indoor building with a registration area, restrooms and locker rooms, and concessions for local families and everyday recreational use.

“The reopening of the Shafter Aquatics Center has been a long time coming,” said Mayor Chad Givens. “This project has been more than a pool, but an investment in our community that has been long overdue. It is a place where families gather, kids grow, and memories are made, and now we have the opportunity to partner with SFC, a leader in community sports facilities and programming.

“We welcome Brian to our Shafter family and are very excited for all the programs and activities they are bringing to the community.”

Reopening Plans

Roe brings a diverse background in strategic leadership, communications, public engagement, and aquatics instruction to the role. His experience includes more than 30 years in building operational infrastructure for businesses, nonprofits, and public initiatives, along with hands-on aquatics work as a lifeguard instructor, swim coach, and Certified Pool Operator.

He joins the Shafter Aquatics Center at a pivotal stage as the venue moves toward reopening and full program launch.

“It’s exciting to join SFC and help bring the Shafter Aquatics Center back to life for this community,” said Roe. “This role brings together my background in strategic leadership and aquatics operations at exactly the right moment. Our immediate focus is on reopening with strong staffing, exceptional safety standards, and quality instruction, then building programs and guest experiences that make every family feel welcome.”

Roe added that his first-year priorities will center on reestablishing a strong relationship between the community and its aquatics center, while laying the foundation for long-term program growth. That includes building a robust learn-to-swim program, supporting water safety education for children and adults, and positioning the venue to serve both daily users and future competitive swim activity across the region.

“Shafter is exactly the kind of community where aquatics can make a lasting difference,” said Ken Cobb, SFC vice-president of aquatics venue management. “This is an opportunity to rebuild a trusted gathering place, expand swim instruction and water safety programming, and create a venue that serves local families with energy, consistency, and care.”