Vista council hears $3.4 million Phase 1 repair plan for Wave Water Park; chlorinator replacement ordered

The Vista City Council heard a consultant—s assessment of the Wave Water Park and extensive public comment Tuesday as officials weighed how to preserve the facility used by youth sports, swim lessons and families.

The report presented by Aquatic Design Group principal Justin Caron and city parks staff identified immediate, code-driven repairs and system upgrades as Phase 1 work and put an estimated total cost at about $3,400,000. Caron told the council the park—s mechanical and pool systems are old and that keeping the facility running without a planned program of capital reinvestment has driven up long-term costs: "Your staff's done an amazing job of keeping the water park operational, with budgets that have been somewhat challenging," he said, "but you're at a point where you need capital investment to maintain the quality your citizens expect."

Why it matters: The Wave is a singular aquatics asset for Vista residents, providing lessons, camps, lifeguard training and year-round practice time for high school and club teams. Council members and dozens of speakers said losing access or allowing further deterioration would harm local athletes, families and businesses that benefit when visitors patronize nearby restaurants and shops.

What the assessment found: Caron and staff told the council that the park—s pool decks and finishes show wear,…