Plunge renovation on track for project completion; tile choice, liner and fundraising remain open items

Aquatics subcommittee members and staff updated the commission on several items related to the city's pools and the Plunge renovation.

Commissioners said City Council had authorized replacing the Plunge's existing finish with new tile rather than replastering. During the meeting a commissioner noted the contingency budget was increased "to go up to 1.3"; the transcript does not specify units for that figure. Staff reported heaters for the Aquatic Center will arrive in June and that the instructional pool at the El Segundo Aquatic Center requires a floor/liner replacement; staff are negotiating responsibility and scope with Weisburn, which staff said is contractually connected to that item.

The aquatics update included schedule notes: the project timeline remained on track for the contractor's stated project-completion milestone (one commissioner clarified that the referenced "12:30" date was for project completion rather than the facility opening). Staff said they would need a few weeks after completion to get the Plunge ready for public use. Hilltop pool weekend operations are scheduled to begin May 24, with the first full week of operation starting June 16.

Staff said the capital campaign for the Plunge remains active; fund-raising is taking a grassroots approach and staff emphasized the need for larger donors. The commission also expects three mural proposals for the Plunge on June 12.

Committee members said they are progressing on contractor coordination, heater installation and liner negotiation but that a few critical path procurement items remain to be resolved before the pool can open to the public.