REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Review Proposed Improvements and Community Outreach Plan for International Swim Center Phase 2 Project and Provide Feedback
Report
BACKGROUND
The International Swim Center Rehabilitation Project Phase 1 is currently under construction and focuses on the rehabilitation of three pools designated for diving, racing, and training activities. The scope of work includes increasing the depth of the racing pool to meet competitive aquatic standards; upgrading pool decking and gutter system; replacing pumping and filtration systems; replacing the dive tower; implementing accessibility improvements; demolition of the existing administrative building; installing utilities to support the current and future phases of the project; and completing additional upgrades necessary to comply with applicable building, health, and safety codes.
The International Swim Center Rehabilitation Project Phase 2 (Project) includes the design and construction of a new administrative building, which is anticipated to be approximately 10,000 to 12,000 square feet. The administrative building will provide safe, accessible, and functional spaces to support daily facility operations, administrative functions, full-time staff, and program management. The building will also include dedicated and flexible spaces for lifeguard operations, including briefing and training areas, break rooms, and lockers.
The design phase will evaluate the existing bleachers, canopy structures, and accessory buildings adjacent to the spectator seating areas to determine the feasibility of rehabilitation or replacement. Depending on feasibility, cost estimates, and available funding, improvements to these additional elements may be incorporated into Phase 2.
On August 18, 2026, the City Council approved an agreement with Group 4 Architecture, Research and Planning Design and Professional Services for the International Swim Center Rehabilitation Phase 2 Project (RTC 26-488).
DISCUSSION
At the November 9, 2026, Parks & Recreation Commission meeting, City staff will introduce the Project, provide an overview of the existing site conditions and the proposed project scope, and present the planned public engagement process.
The public engagement process will provide opportunities for residents, facility users, and other stakeholders to share input on the proposed improvements. Engagement activities will include community pop-up input sessions at the following locations:
• Central Park Library, 2635 Homestead Rd.
• Santa Clara Senior Center, 1303 Fremont St.
• Mary Gomez Swim Center, 651 Bucher Ave.
• Community Recreation Center, 969 Kiely Blvd.
• Holiday Tree Lighting event at Central Park,909 Kiely Blvd. on December 4, 2026
In addition, a public meeting will be held at the Santa Clara Senior Center,1303 Fremont St. on November 18, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. A separate stakeholder meeting with the aquatic user groups will also be held on November 18, 2026.
An online survey will be available through December 6, 2026, to provide additional opportunities for community members to participate. The information gathered from the community will be used to inform the program and facility design.
Following the public engagement and design development process, staff will return to the Commission to present the schematic design and seek a recommendation for City Council consideration and approval.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is for design professional services and the action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") Guidelines section 15378 because it does not pose a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
On August 18, 2026, the City Council approved a design and professional services agreement with Group 4 Architecture, Research and Planning for Design Professional Services in a total not-to-exceed amount of $3,106,127, including $2,700,980 for basic services and $405,147 for additional services.
Partial funding of $2.2 million is available from the first tranche of Measure I General Obligation Bond funds. Funding includes $2.0 million in the Community ISC Aquatic Facility Renovation/Replacement (Phase 2) project and $0.2 million in the Parks, Library, Senior Center & Aquatics Facilities Contingency/Escalation/Administration (CEA) project in the Measure I General Obligation Bond Projects Fund. The remaining project costs of approximately $0.9 million is funded by Mitigation Fee Act (MFA) funds, which are anticipated to be reimbursed upon receipt and appropriation of future Measure I General Obligation Bond Tranche 2 proceeds designated for the Community Aquatic Facility/ISC Renovation/Replacement project area. However, if Phase 2 project costs exceed current estimates, some or all of the MFA funds may remain allocated to the project and may not be reimbursed from future bond proceeds.
The proposed Commission action to initiate community engagement does not require additional funding beyond the previously approved project budget.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Parks & Recreation Department and the Public Works Department.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Parks & Recreation Commission agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Review Proposed Improvements and Community Outreach Plan for International Swim Center Phase 2 Project and Provide Feedback.
Staff
Prepared by: Kimberly Castro, Recreation Manager
Approved by: Damon Sparacino, Director of Parks & Recreation