Carlsbad swim community rallies against pool closures impacting local athletes and teams

The Carlsbad City Council meeting on January 28, 2025, highlighted urgent concerns from the local swimming community regarding the upcoming closures of Alga Norte and Monroe Pools. Residents and coaches voiced their frustrations over the impact these closures will have on youth athletes who rely on these facilities for training.

Kirsten Snyder, a parent of four swimmers, emphasized the challenges her children face, including early morning commutes to distant pools and the struggle to maintain their training schedules. She urged the council to find solutions that would allow North Coast Aquatics (NCA) and local high school teams to access swimming lanes during the closures, particularly as Monroe Pool is set to be out of service for 18 months.

Rob Mackle, a coach with NCA, echoed Snyder's sentiments, expressing disappointment over a recent letter that criticized the organization without considering the needs of the aquatic community. He defended NCA's long-standing commitment to the local swimming scene and highlighted the financial contributions they have made to the community over the years. Mackle called for collaboration rather than conflict, suggesting that there are reasonable solutions to accommodate all swimmers.

The discussions underscored the importance of aquatic facilities in Carlsbad, not only for competitive training but also for fostering community engagement and youth development. As the council considers the implications of the pool closures, the voices of concerned parents and coaches reflect a pressing need for equitable access to swimming resources for all local athletes. The council's response to these concerns will be crucial in shaping the future of aquatic sports in the city.