Council approves expanded International Swim Center rehabilitation, awards contract and declares urgency

The Santa Clara City Council voted unanimously April 8 to expand the scope of rehabilitation at the George F. Haines International Swim Center, award a public-works contract to Adams Pool Solutions and adopt an urgency resolution intended to speed repairs and reopen the facility to residents and local aquatics clubs.

The expanded plan, described by Parks and Recreation Director Damon Sparacino as an alternative to a limited temporary reopening, would add repair and refurbishment of the dive well and dive tower, new or upgraded mechanical and boiler systems dedicated to each pool, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and ADA improvements for locker rooms and pool access. Sparacino told the council: "Complete restoration begins and ends sooner. It extends the facility for 25 to 30 plus years. Serves all 3 aquatics user groups as early as possible."

Why it matters: The International Swim Center has been closed since January 2024 after in-depth facility assessments identified health-and-safety and infrastructure failures. A narrower maintenance-only approach had been approved in 2024 but deconstruction work exposed…