El Segundo outlines Plunge renovation progress, seeks roughly $4.8 million in fundraising

El Segundo city officials, contractors and community partners presented progress on the long-planned renovation of The Plunge and asked residents to support a $4.8 million fundraising gap so the indoor swim stadium can reopen in late 2025.

“Allie Mancini, director of Recreation, Parks and Library for the City of El Segundo, said the Eurosari Swim Stadium, affectionately called The Plunge, “officially opened its doors in November 1941” as a Works Progress Administration project and has been a community anchor for decades. Mancini told the meeting the city approved a renovation design in February 2023 and began construction in August 2024.

The restoration matters to longtime residents and to city swim programs because the Plunge provides youth lessons, master swim and other year-round aquatics programs that the newer Douglas Street Aquatics Center does not fully replace. “The plunge is a needed project for the community because it's centered in the middle of the residential area,” said Richard Lundquist, CEO of South Bay Sports, Health and Recreation and Continental Development Corporation, who is leading a fundraising effort.

City officials presented the project budget and funding status. The estimated total cost to complete the renovation is $14,600,000. City capital reserves, including contributions from the El Segundo Unified School District and the CDC MAR campus partnership, total $9,800,000, leaving an approximate $4,800,000 funding gap the city hopes to fill through private fundraising and partner contributions. Lundquist said his organization aims to replicate prior fundraising success, noting South Bay Sports, Health and Recreation “raised over $5,000,000 for the Aquatic Center and hopes to be able to raise the same amount for the Plunge.”

Speakers described the facility's history and the scope of work under way. Mancini credited architect John C. Austin with the original design and said the facility was designated a local cultural resource by the city in 1994. She said routine repairs were judged insufficient by an aquatics master plan and that a full renovation was required to address lighting, ventilation, inconsistent water temperature and circulation.

Construction steps begun in August 2024 include demolition, lead and asbestos abatement, removal of locker rooms and bleachers, replacement of sewer and water laterals, new pool supply and return lines beneath the deck, and replacement of the pool mechanical systems. Mancini said contractors have demoed the lobby wall and are rebuilding the lobby with new accessibility features, and listed upcoming milestones such as replacing the roof, installing HVAC and ductwork, fitting fire sprinklers, and finishing locker-room tile and lighting.

Joe Lormans, recreation supervisor of aquatics, described his personal connection: “I grew up going to the plunge. I did swim lessons there when I was 3 years old,” and noted the city continues to offer year-round swimming programs including learn-to-swim, advanced swim and water-exercise classes.

Residents who spoke said the facility supports children’s social and physical development and serves as a neighborhood gathering place. “The swimming program helps my son with his social skills,” said Tanya Allaway, a Valsalagunda resident of 14 years.

No formal council motion or vote was reported in the presentation. Officials characterized the session as an update and a fundraising appeal; they did not record new policy action, budget adoption, or contract awards during the remarks.

Project proponents asked for public donations and partner support to close the remaining gap so the Plunge can reopen for community programs in late 2025.