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Residents urge council to allow Class Aquatics to share Malibu pool; Marlins push back
Summary
Multiple public commenters asked the council to direct Parks & Rec to allow Class Aquatics (a competitive program) to share Malibu High pool time with the Malibu Marlins, citing travel burdens for families and low current enrollment; the Marlins’ president defended the city’s RFQ process and urged staff consultation.
Dozens of residents used the Dec. 9 public-comment period to press the council and Parks & Recreation staff to permit a shared use agreement at the Malibu High pool, where the newly contracted Malibu Marlins currently hold the seasonal operating agreement.
Supporters of Class Aquatics — which some speakers said would provide a more competitive training environment — said many local families are driving long distances to train and that winter enrollments leave capacity in the city’s pool schedule. “There is room for two swim teams that can together service all the needs of the Malibu swimming community,” Sue Murphy said during public comment, asking the council to work with Parks and Rec to approve a sharing arrangement.
Speakers described logistical barriers for families who currently travel “over the hill” for competitive swim practice, said some swimmers stopped participating when a prior program reorganized, and urged the city to revisit lane-use limits that the speakers said restrict lane capacity.
Representatives of the Malibu Marlins, which won the city RFQ to operate the pool, argued the RFQ process was conducted by independent reviewers and said the club is open to discussing access. The Marlins’ president told the council the organization is a nonprofit, asked staff to review registration data and funding details, and defended the club’s record on community programming.
Council members said the pool allocation and any changes should be handled through Parks & Recreation and the RFQ/contract process rather than by a City Council adjudication. Councilmember Bruce Silverstein and others urged both parties to pursue staff-led mediation and to return to the commission with a joint proposal. “All the kids should get to use the pool,” Silverstein said; staff advised that Parks & Rec bring options back for council consideration if needed.
The council did not take immediate formal action; members asked staff to review whether shared scheduling or changes to lane-use policies could expand access for competitive swimmers.
