Seaside Lagoon Rehabilitation Project
Summary
The Harbor Commission's handling of the $30 million Seaside Lagoon renovation drew criticism at public comment, with a proposed wave pool threatening to distract from the main project. The council takes up the Coastal Development Permit application September 15.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 12
- Last 30 days
- 2
Rising — discussed at 4 meetings since Sep 14, 2026, up from 2 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
A $30 million grant-funded renovation is at stake.
Lagoon users, including visitors from outside the city who would gain access to an improved facility.
Business groups say the current design and timing could suppress waterfront commerce for decades.
Mentions & discussions (8)
Public Amenities Commission — October 14, 2026
The commission voted to agendize a discussion of landmarking Seaside Lagoon, which could unlock CLG grant money for what's already a big-ticket item on council's wish list.
Harbor Commission — October 12, 2026
Gary Yost, author of an alternative Seaside Lagoon concept, told the commission the city's rehabilitation plan has already gone to the Coastal Commission, and he plans to submit his alternative plan directly into that hearing record so all options are on the table.
City Council — September 15, 2026
The council approved sending the Phase 1 rehab plan to the Coastal Commission — a freshwater pool with slide, splash features and lap swim replacing the aging saltwater lagoon. The community is split, with an unsolicited private wave-pool proposal (Allen Sanford/California Surf Club) hovering over the debate and the Harbor Commission urging a pause. Expect this fight to continue through the Coastal Commission process.
Harbor Commission — September 14, 2026
Allen Sanford was scheduled to present a wave pool design concept for the Seaside Lagoon site. The idea could reshape how one of the waterfront's signature recreational facilities is used in the future.
City Council — September 1, 2026
The Harbor Commission's handling of the $30 million Seaside Lagoon renovation drew criticism at public comment, with a proposed wave pool threatening to distract from the main project. The council takes up the Coastal Development Permit application September 15.
Harbor Commission — August 25, 2026
The Seaside Lagoon, a popular swimming and recreation spot on the Redondo Beach waterfront, is slated for rehabilitation. The Harbor Commission was set to weigh a CEQA exemption and design review permit before passing the project along to the City Council.
City Council — June 16, 2026
The King Harbor Association, representing about $100 million in waterfront revenue, formally opposed the current Seaside Lagoon plan's design and 2027 timing, arguing it could miss the LA28 Olympics window and hurt tourism. Councilmember Obagi countered that the process has been long and public, and the mayor noted funding pressure to start before his term ends.
City Council — April 21, 2026
The Council reviewed design concepts for the Seaside Lagoon rehabilitation and directed staff to pursue entitlements for Phase 1 to fix the water feature and core infrastructure.
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