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Long Beach council approves $59.8 million construction contract to rebuild Belmont Beach & Aquatic Center
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Summary
After years of redesigns and funding challenges, the City Council voted to award a roughly $59.8 million construction contract and related agreements to advance the Belmont Beach & Aquatic Center project, while outlining a funding plan that combines tidelands revenue, grants and debt service to close a remaining gap.
The Long Beach City Council voted Jan. 20 to approve the construction contract for the Belmont Beach & Aquatic Center and related construction management services, clearing a major step toward replacing the temporary Belmont pool with a permanent facility.
Public Works staff told the council the recommended construction contract total is approximately $59,823,170, with a separate construction‑management agreement recommended for Arcadis. City staff framed the vote as the final major procurement step following more than a decade of planning, multiple redesigns required by the California Coastal Commission and several rebids to respond to market volatility.
City Manager Tom Modica and Public Works Director Josh Hickman reviewed the project history, telling the council the original Belmont Plaza natatorium opened in 1968 and was later closed after structural cracking. A temporary pool has operated since demolition of the former facility, and staff said the new design balances competitive and recreational uses while addressing coastal and sea‑level rise requirements.
'We've put a lot of thought into this, and we have now a solid plan that does not take from the general fund and is able to pay for itself and move forward,' Modica said during the staff presentation.
Staff presented an all‑in project cost in the $103 million–$105 million range that includes prior expenditures, design, temporary pool investment and the construction contract. Councilmembers were shown a funding strategy combining available tidelands funds (restricted to the shoreline), county Measure A allocations, energy‑efficiency grants, a potential habitat grant, and proposed debt financing to cover a remaining financing gap of about $24–28 million. Staff estimated the recommended debt program would mean roughly $1.48 million in annual debt service and an annual operating gap of about $2.3 million to be covered from tidelands revenue or other tolls and fees tied to shore assets.
Proponents framed the pool as a long‑standing community asset. 'For generations many Long Beach residents have learned how to swim at this pool,' Councilmember Duggan said, adding the design maintains opportunities for swim lessons, recreation and elite competition.
Opponents and some community groups raised concerns during public comment about project cost, equity and the use of tidelands revenue—funds generated largely from local offshore oil leases that are restricted to shoreline investments. The Sierra Club's representative argued the city could instead build community pools in underserved neighborhoods for less money, while other speakers pressed staff to ensure the project would not worsen disparities in pool access.
Council debate touched on sea‑level rise, access and transit to the Belmont Shore location, affordability of programming, and local hire. Council members said the project team has incorporated an Equity and Public Access Program (EPAP) that includes outreach, scholarship and transit voucher ideas to improve access for disadvantaged communities.
After deliberation, council members moved and seconded the construction contract and related approvals. The motion carried.
What comes next: Staff said procurement and preconstruction work will begin immediately, with installation targeted to begin in 2026 and completion expected in spring–summer 2028. The city will keep the temporary pool open during construction and return to the Coastal Commission up to three years after occupancy to resolve status of the temporary facility.
