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 further structural and mechanical problems that staff said would limit capacity and leave key systems — notably boilers and circulation equipment — at risk of further failure. Council approved the broader “Option B” to avoid repeated interruptions and to restore full programming for competitive swimming, diving and artistic swimming.

Details of the expanded scope and funding: Staff reported field and design updates that place the expanded cost estimate between about $8.75 million and $10 million. The work is presented in two phases: Phase 1 focuses on the pools, dive well and related mechanical systems; Phase 2 would address the administration and locker-room buildings, bleacher canopy and partner/office space. Staff proposed recognizing an interim transfer from the general fund land-sale reserve of roughly $8.137 million and $500,000 from the general fund reserve to the Parks and Recreation capital fund, with the intent to reimburse eligible costs from Measure I bond proceeds when available.

Contract, procurement and schedule: Because the expanded scope converts the project into a public-works contract governed by City Charter section 13.10, staff asked the council to declare an urgency resolution allowing the city to proceed with Adams Pool Solutions — the firm already on site for earlier work — rather than re-advertise the job. Staff estimated a typical public-works delivery timeline could be about 34 months but said that using existing designers and contractors could shorten the schedule by about a year; they cautioned that unforeseen conditions, outside-agency approvals and supply-chain delays could extend the work.

Local clubs and users spoke in favor of the expanded option at the meeting. Kevin Zacker, head coach of the local swim club, said the broader plan was “the quickest path for us to get back to a stable place” and urged the council to approve the work so teams and lessons can resume. Diving and artistic-swimming coaches and national representatives also offered written and spoken support for restoring the dive well and tower.

Council action and next steps: The council voted unanimously to approve the expanded scope (Option B, Phase 1), adopt the urgency resolution, authorize delegation to the city manager to negotiate necessary agreements up to a $10,000,000 not-to-exceed amount, and approve the proposed interim budget transfers. Staff said they will begin contract execution and design mobilization immediately and will return with routine contract forms, project updates and for the community-engagement process that will guide Phase 2 building design and programming.

Discussion points and limitations: Council members pressed staff on timing, the role of Measure I bond proceeds and the need for robust public engagement on building redesign. Staff clarified that Phase 2 — building and locker-room design — will follow a public process and will not use the urgency exception, but may proceed in parallel with Phase 1 work as schedules allow.

What to watch for: Staff will return with contract documents and a project schedule, planned reimbursements tied to Measure I bond proceeds and a community process for Phase 2 building design. The city also advised the public that the facility’s eventual operating capacity and programming changes will depend on final construction details and county public-health approvals.