Peninsula Aquatic Complex Council (PACC) Status Update & Background
Goal: To fulfill the vision of the NTC Adopted Plan by creating a three-swimming pool Aquatic Complex and adjacent aquatic recreational opportunities for the general public within the 46 acre waterfront park.
Background
The Liberty Station Aquatic Complex was envisioned in 1998 as an integral component of the land use and environmental review of the NTC Precise Plan. The origination of the community effort was led by long time resident Julie Cramer, an early advocate of swimming pools for the Peninsula region late in the planning for reuse of NTC.
As part of the process, the City of San Diego engaged the consulting services of Counsilman Hunsaker Architects from St Louis who had designed the 1996 Olympic Aquatic Complex in Atlanta. A comprehensive feasibility study was conducted reviewing site design and operations.
The NTC Precise Plan was adopted by the San Diego City Council and California Coastal Commission allowing for the future Aquatic Complex to be contained on approximately 3.8 acres of the 46 acre NTC waterfront park at the Foot of Womble Road. In addition, parking lots were constructed in advance at the foot of Womble Road and on the east side of Cushing Road. The ultimate vision includes multiple community pools including: a 50-meter x 25 yard multi-use competition pool, a 35-40 meter x 25 yard warm water pool, and a pool with interactive water features for children.
Funding was to come from future redevelopment tax increments set aside of the former base in a phased approach. Due to the loss of California State redevelopment funding with tax increment under Former Governor Jerry Brown, the project stalled. In 2011, discussions occurred with then Mayor Jerry Sanders and Councilman Kevin Faulconer on the possibility of the YMCA constructing and operating the pool. An RFP (Request for Proposals) was issued in mid 2014 for the pool and Building 619. The YMCA was the only respondent.
Unfortunately, the Department of Interior indicated that the City could not engage in a lease or concession beyond 10 years. That time could be extended to 30 or more years with only a government agency. As a result, in 2015, the YMCA could not move forward.
Informal discussions began with the San Diego Unified School District under the concept of “Pools for Schools” joint use with School Bond funding.
Community Advocates
In 2017, the Peninsula Aquatic Complex Council (PACC) was created by PLHS parents, alumni, community members, swimmers, kayakers and civic leaders to advocate again on behalf of the project. Numerous meetings have been held with the Office of the Mayor, San Diego Unified School District staff, School Board Members Scott Barnett and Michael McQuary, Congressman Scott Peters, and community leaders to attempt to work through these issues and develop public policy solutions to gain an approval to proceed with the Peninsula Aquatic Complex vision.
The community was able to obtain an initial $2.1 Million by the City of San Diego (Midway DIF) towards the project with assistance of then Councilmember Lorie Zapf. In addition, informal commitments were made by the School District to fund pool construction and locker facilities through the use of Facilities Bond Program: Proposition Z funds (“Bond Z”, as it is better known). Bond Z funds are to be used “to repair, renovate, and revitalize district schools”. Athletic facilities qualify for Bond Z funding. Additionally, the City of San Diego has agreed to operate the complex as a Park and Recreation facility in conjunction with the restoration of Building 619 as a Recreation Center, containing 19,000 sq feet.
Recreation vs. Education
Due to the NTC base transfer of federal land for park and recreational purposes, the Dept. of Interior expressed concern about an educational (school) use on land originally designated for park and recreation uses, unless the park and recreation use was the predominate use over education.
Concern was expressed that SDUSD bond funds need to have a predominate education vs. recreation use, as well the school district requiring a property interest in the facility. Possible remedies for this are either:
(a) Further clarification from the Department of Interior on the concept of joint use meeting both education and recreation uses, OR
(b) Congressional Legislation amending the original NTC conveyance to the City of the site allowing for BOTH Educational and Recreation.
Next Steps
The City of San Diego including the Mayor’s Office, Office of the City Attorney and Park and Recreation Department are continuing discussions with the San Diego Unified School District and SDUSD Counsel to resolve these issues with approval at the federal level.
The community and PACC have met and will continue to meet with potential donors to fund a portion of the project costs and to research grant funding. Additionally, meetings have been held with potential strategic partners and aquatic professionals to fine tune the vision.
The final scope of this project will obviously determine what the final cost will be. Rough estimations for a multiple pool facility will likely be somewhere between $10-$15 million. Current options for funding a three-pool complex include San Diego Unified Bond Funds, City of San Diego DIF Fees and General Funds, Grants and Private Donors. The Peninsula Aquatic Complex Council will continue to pursue all options and keep the public informed.
(This status report was presented by PACC board members Byron Wear and Steve Rodi on January 8, 2020 to the Park and Recreation Committee, Peninsula Community Planning Board.)