REPORT TO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Proposed Definitions for Aquatic Facility Use Categories, Priorities of Use and a Proposed Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Municipal Fee Schedule and Proposed Adjustments through Fiscal Year 2028/29
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 & Recreation Department uses 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. These organizations provide youth competitive aquatics programs, swim instruction, and some 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. This has contributed to a gap between user fees and the City's operating costs for equipment, 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 the present, the City Council has held multiple discussions regarding the future of the ISC. Councilmembers expressed...
Click here for full text