The Laguna Beach Unified School District has approved a significant renovation of the pool at Laguna Beach High School, committing approximately $18.8 million to create a larger competition facility and a new support building. The existing pool is set to close on June 6, 2023, with demolition and construction scheduled to commence on June 15 and conclude by June 2027. This extensive project will temporarily displace students, local swim and water polo teams, and community users from having an on-campus pool for nearly a year.
District officials announced the board’s decision in a January 27 press release, stating that the funding will cover demolition, pool construction, concrete work, plumbing, electrical installations, and related site enhancements. Additionally, the plan includes managing construction traffic to avoid disruptions to regular school activities and city-declared Red Flag days, ensuring minimal impact on student programs and community use throughout the renovation.
Funding and Budget Considerations
According to district sources, approximately $20.4 million has been allocated for the project thus far. Officials caution that unforeseen circumstances could escalate the final cost to as much as $25 million. The Los Angeles Times reported that funding will primarily come from an $11 million transfer from the general fund in the current fiscal year, a $4 million transfer in the fiscal year 2026-27, and about $5.4 million from capital reserves. District leaders indicated they would seek additional resources, including property tax revenue and Proposition 2 matching funds, to address any potential funding shortfalls. They also noted that delaying the project by a year could result in an estimated cost increase of 8 to 10 percent.
Project Details and Community Support
The approved design features a 45-meter, 16-lane competition pool, enhanced with a new deck, concrete bleachers, and public restrooms. Plans also include a new 6,692-square-foot, two-story building, which will provide locker and shower facilities, along with equipment storage. Board President Sheri Morgan referred to the renovation as a “long-term investment,” highlighting the necessity of modernizing facilities that have served the community for decades. The district emphasized that this modernization is a priority for student programs and an important asset for the local community.
Parents, coaches, and athletes voiced their support for the project, emphasizing that the current pool has outlived its usefulness and has created scheduling challenges for teams. Public testimony revealed issues such as a failed heating system and a malfunctioning scoreboard, which forced a home water polo game to track scores on a whiteboard. These concerns contributed to the board’s unanimous decision to proceed with the renovation, as outlined by the Los Angeles Times.
As construction is set to begin immediately after the summer break, the district plans to ensure pedestrian access around the campus during the renovation. Officials will continue to refine the project’s budget and timeline while pursuing additional funding sources. They are also collaborating with nearby school districts to secure interim pool access, allowing Laguna Beach High teams to maintain their practice and competition schedules throughout the construction period.
