The City of Carlsbad’s Monroe Street Pool is 38 years old and requires maintenance to remain operational and in compliance with current health and building codes. City staff explored three different approaches for the project.

On Jan. 26, 2021, the City Council directed staff to pursue the third, most extensive, renovation, which was also favored by most community members who participated in the online survey. 

Improvements would include:

• 50% more lap swim lanes
• Expansion of pool for larger swimming and water polo competitions
• Larger pool deck with lockers
• New exterior deck showers
• Renovated locker rooms More shade
• More bleachers
• Larger parking lot
• New entrances including an outdoor option that will no longer require passing through the locker rooms
• Reconfigured lobby Meeting/event/birthday party 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
• New 8-foot wall with steel gates along Monroe Street side to reduce sound coming from the pool
• Replacement of existing solar system and installation of rooftop solar panels

Read more about the planned improvements.

Next steps

The City Council directed staff to put the project on the June 7, 2022, ballot. Voters must first approve the spending for the improvements under a city law that requires voter approval for certain acquisition and construction projects over $1 million. If approved by voters, the improvements could commence within about 18 months after the completion of the formal design, permitting and bidding processes.

Public input

The city gathered input on the three options for the project through an online survey from Aug. 21 - Sept. 30, 2020 to help develop an approach for improving the Monroe Street Pool that will best reflect the community's needs, values and priorities. The public input gathered was provided to the City Council to assist in deciding how ultimately to proceed with this project.

View the public input summary report and appendices.

Project contact

Steven Stewart, municipal projects manager
760-602-7543, steven.stewart@carlsbadca.gov

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