Santa Clara moves to restore Historic International Swim Center for community and athletes

The Santa Clara City Council and Stadium Authority Board convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss the urgent need for improvements to the George F. Haines International Swim Center (ISC), which has been closed for over a year. The meeting highlighted the significant impact this facility has on the local swimming community, with coaches and community leaders expressing their strong support for moving forward with a new facility plan.

Kevin Zacker, head coach of the swim club, emphasized the hardships faced by local athletes due to the lack of a training facility. He noted that the ISC has served the community for over 50 years and is essential for hosting international-level events. Zacker urged the council to approve the proposed project, stating it is the best option available to restore stability for the swim clubs.

Todd Spahn, the diving coach, echoed these sentiments, sharing a letter of support from the president of USA Diving. He pointed out that the ISC is one of only two facilities in the Bay Area capable of hosting community diving events, underscoring the necessity of the facility for local athletes.

Community members voiced their concerns about the financial implications of the project, questioning how the swim clubs would contribute to the costs associated with the new facility. In response, council members reassured attendees that the funding for the project would come from community bonds, ensuring that the costs would not fall solely on the swim clubs.

Vice Mayor Cox and other council members expressed their gratitude for the community's patience during the prolonged closure and emphasized the importance of the ISC for youth development and public health. They acknowledged the need for a long-term solution to maintain the facility and prevent future issues.

The council ultimately moved to support the staff's recommendation to proceed with the project, recognizing the urgent need to restore the ISC for the benefit of the community. The decision marks a significant step towards revitalizing a cherished local resource, with hopes of reopening the facility in the near future.