Carpinteria council approves application to Land and Water Conservation Fund to help pay for community pool repairs

The Carpinteria City Council on July 14 adopted a resolution authorizing the city to apply for a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant to help pay for repairs and upgrades to the Carpinteria Community Pool.

Project overview and funding: A recent facility assessment identified roughly $900,000 in pool structure, deck and mechanical repairs; a separate locker-room estimate added about $160,000 (with an optional $75,000 for a gender-neutral family restroom) yielding a rough total project estimate of about $1.2 million. LWCF grants can reimburse up to 50% of eligible outdoor components (pool and deck), but indoor locker-room work is not eligible under LWCF. The resolution authorizes staff to submit the grant application, designates the city manager as the authorized representative and confirms the city's commitment to meeting program requirements.

Local fundraising and contingencies: Staff said early outreach to prior donors has been encouraging and plans for a community fundraising campaign are part of the funding approach for the non-LWCF-eligible components. If outside funding is insufficient, the project could be scaled down. City staff also noted two reserve accounts that could fund some or all of the work if needed, but the preference is to secure outside grant funding.

Next steps: The LWCF application is due Aug. 5; staff will return with results and design/budget updates if awarded. Council voted to adopt the resolution authorizing submittal.