REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Adopt Definitions for Aquatic Facility Use Categories; Priorities of Aquatics Facility Use; and a Resolution Amending the FY 2025/26 Municipal Fee Schedule
Report
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara has a long-standing commitment to supporting youth organizations, including sports (e.g., Police Activities League, baseball, football, soccer, aquatics), dance, and the Special Olympics.
The City operates eleven pools across five aquatic facilities: the George F. Haines International Swim Center (ISC), Mary Gomez Swim Center (Gomez), Montague Swim Center (Montague), Warburton Swim Center (Warburton), and the Natatorium at the Senior Center. The Parks and Recreation Department utilizes these facilities to offer swim lessons, recreational swim, lap swim, and aquatic fitness programs. The pools are also available for hourly and seasonal rentals by local youth non-profit aquatic organizations.
Historically, three Santa Clara-based 501(c)(3) youth aquatic clubs have been the primary users under City permits: the Santa Clara Diving Club, the Aquamaids - Santa Clara Artistic Swimming Club, and the Santa Clara Swim Club. Together, these organizations (Clubs) provide youth competitive aquatics programs, swim instruction, and limited adult fitness offerings.
Over the years, these Clubs have entered into various agreements with the City for facility use; however, the associated fees have not been applied consistently across all sites and/or Clubs. These inconsistencies have contributed to a gap in the City's ability to fund ongoing operating costs, labor, maintenance, and capital improvements. The existing agreements and fee structures do not align with the City Council's adopted cost recovery model and are insufficient to meet the long-term infrastructure and community needs.
Between 2024 and present, the City Council has held multiple meetings regarding the future of the International Swim Center (ISC), including an interes...
Click here for full text