Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Plunge Aquatic Project topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Plunge costs grow; council told $1.8M raised of $5M goal and tile change order may add $800,000
Summary
Council members and staff warned at the May 5 workshop that the new plunge aquatic facility has accumulated roughly $800,000 in change orders and fundraising has raised about $1.8 million of a $5 million target, prompting requests for added contingency in the 2025–26 budget.
El Segundo’s new plunge aquatic facility remains under construction with staff reporting progress but also mounting costs and fundraising shortfalls at the May 5 budget study workshop.
Council subcommittee members and staff told the council the project is on track for a construction finish late in the year but that the project already has about $800,000 in change orders and that replacing pool tile could cost another estimated $800,000. Council member Boyle told colleagues: “We are already at $800,000 in change orders. . . . To replace the tile is another $800,000 of costs.”
The budget packet includes a $1,000,000 request in the 2025–26 capital program intended to cover remaining construction risks. Staff said the general fund has already loaned $5 million to the project pending fundraising, and Recreation staff reported the fundraising goal of $5 million is far from complete: “to date, I think it’s 1.8 [million],” a council member said during the meeting.
Staff told the council construction activities were progressing — work on pool plumbing, framing, HVAC and interior finishes was under way — and that final completion remains targeted for the end of the calendar year. Elias, the public‑works representative, described current contractor work on locker rooms, pool plumbing and pool finishes and said the project’s critical‑path items include the tile and pool finishes.
Council members pressed staff for more detail on contingency and fundraising milestones. One council member asked staff to present a clear fundraising schedule and milestones so the council can see at what points the city should expect private funds to cover the outstanding loan. City Manager Daryl said staff would return with more complete fundraising progress and would reflect any additional change orders before the budget adoption vote.
Ending: The council faces a choice: increase city contingency to close construction gaps or expect the community fundraising to accelerate. Staff will return to council with updated change‑order amounts, tile replacement analysis and fundraising milestones ahead of the June 3 budget adoption meeting.
