Carlsbad Parks and Recreation updates major projects: Alga Norte pool replastering likely to push reopening into March; Monroe Street pool contract on Jan. 14th

City of Carlsbad Parks and Recreation staff on Jan. 13 provided project and program updates that include a delayed reopening timeline for Alga Norte Aquatic Center, a City Council contract award for Monroe Street Pool on Jan. 14, construction progress at Stagecoach Community Park and long-range plans for outdoor pickleball courts and Memorial Veterans Memorial Park.

The most immediate operational change affects Alga Norte Aquatic Center. Todd Rees, Parks Services Manager, said work at Alga Norte includes simultaneous replastering of the three pool vessels (the 56-meter competition pool, the 25-meter instructional pool and the hydrotherapy spa) and renovation of locker rooms and family restrooms. Rees said construction began in mid-November under a single closure that will save the city about $275,000 compared with separate closures and “construction is going very, very well.”

City staff and the contractor found some original sidewall and drainage deficiencies once the pools were drained; city staff said those repairs were prudent to complete now. Staff explained that pool plaster requires roughly 28 days of curing after refilling before heating may resume, and that water chemistry work and brushing are required before reopening. For…