SANTEE — The $26.8 million Santee Community Center is officially under construction, with Phase 1 work underway at 10129 Riverwalk Drive adjacent to the Cameron Family YMCA and Santee Aquatics Center.

The project broke ground January 30, 2026 — a milestone that residents have awaited for decades. Phase 1, which runs through June 2026, focuses on constructing a new parking lot in front of the Cameron Family YMCA and Santee Aquatics Center. Families should note that YMCA Summer Camps will relocate to Rio Seco during this construction period.

Phase 2 is scheduled to begin in June 2026 and run through September 2027. That phase covers the main building itself: a two-story, 12,500-square-foot facility designed to serve residents of all ages. The anticipated opening is November 2027.

The finished center will feature two event spaces, multipurpose rooms, an outdoor deck and patio, a warming kitchen, office space, a double-height lobby, and an elevator. It will also serve as the City of Santee's backup Emergency Operations Center.

The project was designed by HMC Architects and the $26.8 million construction contract was approved by the Santee City Council in December 2025. City officials say the facility is designed to address a long-standing gap in Santee's recreation infrastructure and expand services for teens and seniors.

Residents can track the project's progress at the City of Santee's website at cityofsanteeca.gov/parks-recreation/santee-community-center.