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Students and coaches urge OUSD to replace Villa Park pool, request district cost and revenue analysis
Summary
Students, parents and coaches told the Orange Unified School District board the Villa Park High pool is unsafe and inadequate, pressing the district to repair or replace the deteriorated 25-yard pool and to evaluate building a 50-meter multiuse facility; staff agreed to return with additional cost and revenue information.
Students, parents and community coaches pressed the Orange Unified School District Board of Education on Aug. 15 to fix chronic safety and maintenance problems at Villa Park High School’s pool and to consider constructing a 50-meter facility.
“I think our pool is honestly becoming a liability for anyone who sets your foot on deck,” student Lucy Flynn told the board, citing recent injuries and a summer incident that required stitches. Coaches and parents described repeated closures, plumbing and water-quality problems and urged a replacement rather than repeated repairs. “You might as well just build a whole new 50-meter pool,” said Jerry Ochevski, head coach of Orange County Gold and a volunteer coach at Villa Park High, noting the facility’s substantial plumbing and accessibility shortcomings.
Speakers argued a larger, multiuse 50-meter pool would expand practice space, allow district-hosted meets, and generate rental revenue. Student speakers said the current 25-yard pool limits practice scheduling and competitive opportunities; one student said combining junior-varsity and varsity on the same deck reduces coaching time and development for younger athletes.
District staff did not commit to a specific option at the meeting but acknowledged the concerns and told the board they are preparing follow-up materials. Board members asked staff to return with comparative cost estimates, revenue/ROI projections for different pool sizes and an update on the status of the Canyon and Orange pool projects. Trustee discussion included requests that any future presentation include construction and operating-cost scenarios and consideration of how a new facility would fit district modernization priorities.
The public testimony also referenced prior staff estimates and community concerns about escalating project costs; a speaker said district staff initially presented a $30 million figure that was later reduced. Board members asked that staff bring new or changed information only when available.
Next steps: staff will prepare a follow-up presentation that includes updated cost estimates, potential revenue streams and the status of other district pool projects and return to a future board meeting.
