Pacifico Energy Group and 661 Foundation Open East Side Aquatic Center, Home of B-Town Brazadas Swim Club
Pacifico Energy Group, in partnership with its charitable arm, the 661 Foundation, announced the official opening of the East Side Aquatic Center, a premier new swimming facility located on the campus of Highland High School in Bakersfield, California. The center will serve as the new home for the B-Town Brazadas marking a significant investment in youth athletics and community development in Kern County.
The ambitious project was made possible through a $13 million donation from Nate Franklin, Highland High School alumnus and CEO of Pacifico Energy Group. Franklin’s gift funded the design and construction of the state-of-the-art aquatic complex, which officially opened last week with a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by students, community leaders, and local athletes.
Situated just 500 feet from both the middle school and elementary school, the aquatic center establishes a convenient and central hub for youth aquatics programs, athletic training, and physical education activities. The facility was developed in close collaboration with the Kern High School District (KHSD), which will own and operate the center moving forward.
A Community Investment in the Future
Franklin, who grew up in Bakersfield and swam competitively while attending Highland High School, said the project represents a lifelong goal to give back to the community that shaped him.
At Pacifico, we talk about making an impact where it matters most. For me personally, that’s right here at Highland High School, where I learned the values that shaped my career,” Franklin said during the ribbon-cutting event on October 23, 2025. “When I was a student here, I promised myself I would one day give back to this wonderful community. We want to see youth in this area who might not otherwise have the opportunity participate in aquatics and learn valuable life skills through the sport.
Franklin emphasized that his contribution was not merely about building a pool but about building pathways to opportunity. The East Side Aquatic Center is designed to inspire young athletes, foster inclusion, and support lifelong health and wellness through swimming.
The Kern High School District will oversee the center’s day-to-day operations, ensuring that the facility remains a shared community resource. Local partners such as the newly established B-Town Brazadas club will host competitive teams, swim lessons, and community programs that promote fitness, teamwork, and personal growth.
A Legacy of Excellence in Bakersfield Aquatics
Bakersfield has a proud history of producing elite swimmers, including Olympians Gabe Woodward and Larsen Jensen, both of whom grew up training in the area. The opening of the East Side Aquatic Center renews that tradition, giving the next generation of athletes access to world-class training facilities without having to leave their hometown.
Franklin said he hopes the new center will not only produce future champions but also create a culture of discipline, confidence, and perseverance among local youth.
Swimming taught me that you can control your own destiny through hard work and dedication,” Franklin said. “Those lessons shaped me as an entrepreneur. This aquatic center gives kids the same opportunity to overcome challenges, build confidence, and develop values that last far beyond trophies or records.
He added that with more than 4,000 students attending the three nearby schools, the 19-lane facility will be in near-constant use for practices, physical education classes, and community swim programs. “It’s going to take a community effort,” Franklin said, “but that’s exactly what we want to see happen.”
State-of-the-Art Facility
The East Side Aquatic Center was designed with both athletes and spectators in mind, featuring modern amenities, advanced training equipment, and community-friendly accessibility.
Olympic-Sized Pool
- Eight 50-meter lanes for long-course training
- Nineteen 25-yard lanes for short-course events
- Heated pool maintained between 79–82°F for optimal performance
Modern Amenities
- Spacious locker rooms, restrooms, and indoor showers
- Single-use and outdoor shower options for convenience
- On-site office and classroom space for team meetings and instruction
Athlete & Spectator Enhancements
- Fully integrated scoreboard and electronic timing system
- Shaded stadium seating with overhead fans for comfort
- A shallow-end section designed for swim lessons and beginner programs
- Ample poolside space for dry land training and team activities
The combination of these features positions the center as one of the most advanced aquatic facilities in the Central Valley, capable of hosting regional swim meets and serving as a community hub for aquatic education.
B-Town Brazadas Swim Club: Building a Community in the Water
To complement the new facility, Franklin also founded the B-Town Brazadas Swim Club, a program dedicated to growing the sport of swimming in Bakersfield and surrounding communities. The Swim club will operate four core programs designed to serve swimmers of all ages and abilities:
- Swim Team – For competitive swimmers seeking professional coaching, stroke development, and opportunities to participate in local, regional, and national meets. The focus is on technique, endurance, and teamwork.
➤ Sign up: www.brazadas.org/swim-team - Swim League – A seasonal, recreational program that promotes fun, skill-building, and friendly competition. Ideal for children interested in learning swimming fundamentals in a relaxed, supportive environment.
➤ Sign up: www.brazadas.org/swim-league - Swim School – Lessons for ages six months to 18 years, led by certified instructors who focus on water safety, stroke technique, and building confidence. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention for every swimmer.
➤ Sign up: www.brazadas.org/swim-school - Masters Program – Designed for adult swimmers of all experience levels, offering a supportive environment to refine technique, build endurance, and stay active.
➤ Sign up: www.brazadas.org/masters
Franklin said the Swim club’s name, “Brazadas” — Spanish for “strokes” — reflects both movement and determination, two qualities that define the spirit of the program and its community focus.
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