Carlsbad voters have authorized the City of Carlsbad to spend over $1 million of city general funds to renovate and expand the nearly 40-year-old Monroe Street Pool, located next to Carlsbad High School in northern Carlsbad.
About the project
In 2020, the city asked for public input on three options for improving and expanding the pool facility. After receiving a summary of the feedback and information on each option from staff on Jan. 26, 2021, the City Council chose the option preferred by most residents, which includes:
- Expansion of pool for larger swimming (50% more lanes) and water polo competitions
- New 8-foot wall with gates along Monroe Street side to reduce sound from the pool
- Larger pool deck with lockers
- New exterior deck showers
- Renovated locker rooms
- More shade structures
- More bleachers
- Larger parking lot
- New entrances including an outdoor option that will no longer require passing through the locker rooms
- Reconfigured lobby, new first aid/administration offices and meeting/event room
- Replacement of pool tile, plaster, piping, pool deck, drainage, pumps and filters
- New building with mechanical room and family restrooms
- Separate mechanical room access for service vehicles to reduce parking lot impacts for users
- Replacement of existing solar water heating system and installation of rooftop solar panels to generate electricity
- Enhancement of equipment storage space
Background
- The ballot measure was needed because of Proposition H, a Carlsbad-specific law that requires voter approval for certain construction projects that cost more than $1 million in general city funds.
- Carlsbad voters passed this requirement in 1982 to have more direct oversight of city spending.
Next steps
- City staff will seek direction on next steps from the City Council.
- Sign up to be notified when a date has been selected for that meeting.
The estimated cost for the improvements is between $22 million and $24 million in today’s dollars. A detailed cost estimate will be developed once final designs are completed.
More information
County of San Diego Registrar of Voters election results
Monroe Street Pool improvements
Steven Stewart, Municipal Projects Manager, 442-339-2543, steven.stewart@carlsbadca.gov
