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Residents press Pacifica council to preserve community pool as budget cuts loom
Summary
Hundreds of residents urged Pacifica council to keep the city’s aquatics program after the proposed budget included a six‑month phaseout of city‑run pool services, a move staff said would save $154,000 for half a year but could end city operation after January 2027.
Dozens of residents and community groups packed the council chambers and the online comment queue during the budget hearing to urge the council not to end city involvement in the Aquatics Program at Brink/Oceanana Pool.
Parks, Beaches & Recreation staff identified the proposed phaseout of city‑run aquatic services as a six‑month reduction that would save about $154,000 to the general fund for half a fiscal year. Staff noted the existing joint agreement with the Jefferson Union High School District would remain in force through December 2026; under that agreement the district would assume full ownership on Jan. 1, 2027 unless the city negotiates a different arrangement.
The council chamber heard repeated appeals from longtime pool users, instructors, coaches and parents. “This pool provides water‑safety lessons, lifeguard jobs for youth and exercise programs for seniors,” said several speakers, including swim team and lifeguard volunteers. Justin Ferrer said the pool had helped him reach college athletic opportunities: “Without this pool and the programs it supports, I would not be where I am today,” he told the council.
Speakers highlighted three practical arguments: water‑safety and drown‑prevention in a coastal city; jobs and training for teens (lifeguard and instructor positions); and public‑health benefits for older residents who rely on low‑impact aquatic exercise.
City staff and the manager asked the council to consider a short transition window while staff pursue alternatives and negotiate with the district and potential third‑party operators. City Manager John Sharpier said staff would explore options including negotiating with the Jefferson Union High School District, seeking grant funding, increasing fees where legally allowed and pursuing a private operator to continue programs. Council members asked staff for a timeline and recommended an early engagement with district trustees and potential operators to determine whether the city could preserve some or all aquatics services without the full general‑fund commitment.
Council members did not take a final vote on the pool at the session. Staff were directed to return with options (including operating models, fee projections and potential outside operators) and to pursue discussions with the school district and community partners. Supporters urged immediate, practical measures — modest fee increases, fundraising and a short study session or ad hoc committee — to keep lessons, lifeguard training and senior programming running.
Next step: staff will report back with scenarios and financial modeling so the council can weigh service value against structural fiscal constraints at a future meeting.
