By Robert Haugh
Last night’s Santa Clara City Council meeting was long as the public weighed in on the sudden closing of the George F. Haines International Swim Center (ISC).
Dozens of youth athletes, coaches, parents, residents, aquatic supporters, and enthusiasts pleaded passionately about their renowned, but dilapidated swim center.
The Good: Fortunately, many of the issues can be resolved temporarily, while long-term solutions are decided.
The Bad: Some of the issues include weakened foundations, staircases, roofing, gutters, insufficient egress (exits), and other mechanical and maintenance issues that appear to have been neglected for years.
The Ugly: Based on presentations by City staff and consultants, the fabled venue is in major disrepair with dozens of critical deficiencies. Even short-term solutions may cost several million dollars.
According to the City staff, a complete rebuild of the ISC will take four to six years to complete. It was unclear if City staff considered this a priority because they emphasized how Santa Clara has other infrastructure needs, too.
Let’s see how the City Council handles this.
This is a developing story.
The swim center has obviously been neglected for years. Who’s responsible?
The Santa Clara Swim Center issue highlights critical infrastructure challenges. This blog insightfully presents community concerns, costs, and city priorities, making it essential reading for those following swimming and city council developments.
Fantastic news! Screw you Becker, Park and Jain! Find another hobby besides stalking innocent people! Maybe work on your appeals!
Hey I have a great idea! How about asking one of our other larger venue tenant to actually pay what they owe our City.
That would be a great start to restoring this iconic site.
We need money. Seems like a simple place to start.
Let’s close that gap and get to work.
Santa Clara International Swim Center is more recognized around the world than any other building we have in our City.
According to what I read, we are “The Center of What’s Possible”
Let’s make this happen.
Burt Field
That’s not a good idea, Burt. The 49ers have no obligation to fund an International Swim Center, you wake up looking for any excuse to continuously beat down the organization and gripe about partisan politics.
The International Swim Center is not the most recognized building in Santa Clara, that’s a fact.
• TripAdvisor Santa Clara Landmarks: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g33046-Activities-c47-Santa_Clara_California.html
• Yelp Top 10 Santa Clara Landmarks: https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=landmarks&find_loc=Santa+Clara%2C+CA
• Things To Do in Santa Clara: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g33046-Activities-oa0-Santa_Clara_California.html
Revenue from stadium ought to go to Swim Center restoration. Ps; FPPC cleared Lisa Gillmor, Burt Field, soccer advocates.