After makeover Las Palmas pool reopens

NATIONAL CITY —  A National City staple that was closed for a year reopened late last month with renovations, affordable programs and better access to residents, high schools and local college students.

Lap and recreational swim as well as aquatic classes will be free to everyone through March 31.

“There are only a couple 50-meter pools in the entire county, so to have this back is really a benefit to all of San Diego, specifically to the youth and adults,” said Falon Leszczynski, Las Palmas Pool aquatic director.

The city entered into a contract last November with EXOS-MediFit, a private fitness and wellness management company to improve the National City Las Palmas Pool.

Improvements to the nearly 60-yer-old pool include a refurbished lobby, office area and locker room, new plumbing and piping for the showers as well as new equipment such as lane lines, kick boards and pulleys.

High schools within the Sweetwater Union High School District and students from Southwestern College will be able to use the pool for water polo games and swim meets until the college completes its wellness and aquatic project in fall 2017.

Audrey Denham, recreation superintendent for community services department, said that one of the biggest benefits to residents is that it’s affordable.

For example, recreational swimming for children 0 to 2 years old is $1.

EXOS-MediFit doesn’t require a membership to use the pool.

Initial programs offered include lap and recreational swimming and learn to swim and group exercise aquatic classes.

In the spring, other programs, such as private and group swim lessons for adults and children, will be added.

In addition, the city and EXOS-MediFit are working to create a nostalgic environment for people by adding historical items such as old photos and trophies from when the pool first opened.

“There’s a lot of longstanding history here,” Leszczynski said. “There are adults that had swim lessons here when they were kids and they want to bring their kids here to have swim lessons. Part of what the city and EXOS MediFit want to do is relive that history.”

Representatives of EXOS-MediFit said they want to give back to the community what was taken away from them.

“We want to help celebrate the history of the pool and continue the legacy for the residents,” said Diana Thomas, vice president of community services. “It’s been very beloved and we’re excited to be bringing the pool back to the residents of National City.”

City staff began looking at long-term partnership opportunities a few years ago because it could no longer afford to pay for operations for the Las Palmas Pool and Camacho Gym.

City Council members voted in May 2013 to turn the responsibility over to the South Bay Family YMCA to increase programming and hours, save operating costs and resolve deferred maintenance for the facilities.

Months into the change, the organization realized it was unable to meet revenue targets for programs, memberships and fund raising.

The City Council received a letter in July 2014 terminating its operating agreement for the Las Palmas Pool and Camacho Gym.

For more information call (619) 336-4290 or email [email protected].