Picture a kid from Bakersfield lacing up for swim practice at a cracked, underfunded pool. Fast-forward a couple decades: that same kid—now Nate Franklin, CEO of Pacifico Energy Group—drops $13 million to build a world-class aquatic center right back on his old high school campus. On October 23, the East Side Aquatic Center and its powerhouse partner B-Town Brazadas Swim Club threw open their doors with a ribbon-cutting that had the whole town buzzing.
This isn’t charity. This is legacy in liquid form. And it’s powered by a company that’s redefining how big business builds a better world.
From Promise to Pool Deck: Nate’s Full-Circle Moment
Nate stood poolside last week, surrounded by screaming kids and proud parents, and got real:
“I made a promise to myself as a Highland High swimmer: One day, I’m giving back. Swimming taught me grit, goal-setting, and that glorious feeling when you finally nail that flip turn. I wanted every kid—especially the ones who think ‘Olympian’ is a fairy tale—to have that shot.”
He didn’t just fund a facility. He architected hope. The center sits 500 feet from the middle and elementary schools, meaning 4,000 local students now have a heated, Olympic-sized playground steps from their classrooms. In a city that’s already sent two swimmers to the Olympics (shoutout Gabe Woodward and Larsen Jensen!), Nate’s gift says: Your zip code doesn’t decide your lap time.
The Power Behind the Philanthropy: A Deeper Dive into Pacifico Energy Group
At the helm of this feel-good wave is Pacifico Energy Group, a global powerhouse that’s been flipping the script on infrastructure since 2012. Born from utility-scale energy projects in Japan, the group has ballooned into a full-spectrum player across the U.S., Korea, and Vietnam—serving everyone from industrial giants to governments with custom power solutions that scream reliability and smarts.
Think private grids for data-hungry tech hubs, utility-scale solar and wind farms, and battery storage systems that keep the lights on without the fossil fuel guilt. They’re all about that technology-agnostic vibe: mixing renewables, natural gas, and hybrids to deliver fast, cost-effective power via flexible models like power purchase agreements (PPAs) or lease-like setups. With billions in capital raised and gigawatts in the pipeline, Pacifico isn’t just building projects—they’re engineering resilience for a warming world.
But here’s the positivity kicker: Pacifico doesn’t stop at profit. Their 661 Foundation (named for Bakersfield’s area code, FYI) funnels resources straight back into communities, turning corporate wins into local magic. Beyond the East Side splash, they’ve unveiled a stunning public plaza in San Juan Capistrano—complete with swallow-inspired pavers and lush planters that nod to the town’s migratory charm. And they’re betting big on ventures like Glydways (autonomous urban shuttles for greener commutes) and Fashionphile (sustainable luxury resale), proving that positive investing can glam up the planet too.
Nate’s vision? Channeling clean energy expertise into community currents. “At Pacifico, we’re about impact that powers people—literally and figuratively,” he says. From Tokyo to Dallas, their local teams make it happen, blending global scale with hometown heart.
The “Wow” Features That’ll Make You Want to Cannonball In
- 8-lane, 50-meter beast mode (or flip it to 19-lane, 25-yard sprint factory)
- 79–82°F year-round—no teeth-chattering January practices
- Shaded bleachers with monster fans (because supportive parents deserve comfort)
- Electronic timing + scoreboard that screams “personal best!”
- Shallow zone for tiny tadpoles + deck space for burpees and bands
And the locker rooms? Indoor and outdoor showers. Because Nate remembers the horror of dripping across campus in February.
B-Town Brazadas: Where Every Stroke Counts
The nonprofit B-Town Brazadas Swim Club (founded 2025, 100% vibe) is the soul of the center. “Brazadas” = Spanish for “strokes,” a nod to Bakersfield’s beautiful diversity and the idea that every stroke forward is progress. They’ve got four feel-good programs ready to roll:
- Swim Team – Pro coaches, national meets, and that sweet taste of victory. Join the squad
- Swim League – Seasonal fun, zero pressure, maximum high-fives. Jump in
- Swim School – Babies to teens, safety first, confidence always. Start small
- Masters – Adults, this is your comeback era. Reclaim the water
The Positive Ripple Effect
Nate’s day job? Steering Pacifico Energy Group to power the planet with clean energy. His side hustle? The 661 Foundation, which turns profits into playgrounds. Recent wins: a public plaza in San Juan Capistrano, Little League scoreboards, and now this aquatic beacon.
He told the crowd:
“With 19 lanes and 4,000 kids nearby, we’re going sunrise to sunset—practices, PE, learn-to-swim. It’s going to take a village, and that’s the whole point.”
Your Turn to Make Waves
Parents, sign the kiddos up. Teens, chase that state cut. Adults, dust off those swim caps. The East Side Aquatic Center isn’t just open—it’s overflowing with possibility.
Because when one person remembers where they came from and builds a ladder for others? That, my friends, is peak positivity.
Let’s go, Bakersfield—dive in, dream big, and tag us in those victory selfies.
Stay inspired. Stay in motion. Stay Positive. —Positive Phil
P.S. Explore more at pacificogroup.com, 661foundation.org, and brazadas.org. Media love: media@pacificoenergy.com.
PositivePhil.com: Fueling feel-good stories, one high-five at a time.
