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Palm Desert reopens Aquatic Center after $2.8M renovations; Memorial Day turnout up 30%
Summary
City staff reported completion of $2.8 million in renovations at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center (under an earlier $3.5M estimate), replaced filtration and pump systems, installed a backup generator and other facility upgrades; Memorial Day reopening recorded 744 admissions, a 30% increase over last year.
The Palm Desert Aquatic Center reopened this spring after a six‑month closure for core mechanical and facility upgrades, staff reported Thursday.
Community Services Manager Shawn Muir said the project replaced filtration systems, heaters and five pumps (now four more‑efficient heaters), installed smart pump controllers and a backup generator to protect those controllers during power events. Muir said the filtration tank for the lap pool was approximately "6 and 1/2 ft in diameter, about 10 ft tall" and the new filtration equipment is smaller and more energy efficient. Staff estimated a roughly 12% reduction in winter gas usage from the heater upgrades.
The city reported a successful Memorial Day re‑opening — 744 admissions, a 30% increase from the prior year — and described additional facility improvements including resurfaced locker room flooring, new cabinetry and concessions upgrades, new splash playground pieces, refreshed lifeguard room and parking-lot resurfacing. Muir said total capital investment for the fiscal year was "a little over 2.8 million dollars," below an earlier estimate of up to 3.5 million.
Staff announced summer programming including extended late‑night hours for Hot Summer Nights, dive‑in movies, and a $10 flat admission for July 4 to watch fireworks from the pool. Councilmembers praised the improvements and asked clarifying questions about operations and special‑event admissions.
