Smith Park Pool — $500,000 Planning Grant
Summary
The pool has been closed since its water heater failed twice; a replacement has been ordered and reopening is expected soon. Staff unveiled new private and semi-private swim lessons for summer — which replace last year's adaptive swim slots, raising concerns from a commissioner about access for neurodiverse kids.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 11
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 5, 2026.
Impact analysis
The heater replacement is underway; new private and semi-private lessons carry fees that have not yet been set.
Swim students wanting one-on-one instruction benefit, and returning swim teams get their pool back.
Families of neurodiverse children lose the dedicated adaptive swim slots that gave them a calmer, dedicated class time.
Mentions & discussions (11)
Community Service Commission (Regular) - Oct 5, 2026
The pool's heater and chemical controller are replaced and an emergency pipe leak was fixed, but aging chemical tanks that could mix into toxic gas still need replacing soon. The city is applying for a state parks grant to fund the renovation, and grant judges want to see strong community turnout at the required meetings — so far attendance has been thin.
San Gabriel City Council Meeting - Jul 7, 2026
County grant will fund pool renovation, a splash pad, and a shaded picnic shelter; community meetings to gather resident priorities run through July 11.
Community Service Commission (Regular) - Jun 1, 2026
The city landed a $500,000 state grant to design the Smith Park pool project, and needs at least five community meetings — with strong turnout — to score well on the construction grant application. If you live near Smith Park, watch for that flyer and show up.
Community Service Commission (Regular) - May 4, 2026
The pool reopened May 4 after heater repairs, with rec swim starting June 6, evening lap swim, pool party rentals, and a new semi-private swim lesson option. Learn-to-swim registration for residents opens May 18.
San Gabriel City Council Meeting - Apr 7, 2026
The popular Smith Park pool has been out of commission because its heater disintegrated. The city says the replacement is being built this week and installation should take only days, though no exact reopening date has been given.
Community Service Commission (Regular) - Apr 6, 2026
The Smith Park pool has been closed since the heater broke in December and couldn't be repaired. A replacement was ordered after City Council approved it February 3, but the custom-built heater still has no delivery date. Spring swim lessons were cancelled, and there's no backup plan if the heater doesn't arrive before summer registration.
San Gabriel City Council Meeting - Mar 17, 2026
Great news for the pool: the city won the maximum $500,000 Measure A grant to produce full construction documents, making the project shovel-ready and more attractive to future funders.
Community Service Commission (Regular) - Mar 2, 2026
The pool has been closed since its water heater failed twice; a replacement has been ordered and reopening is expected soon. Staff unveiled new private and semi-private swim lessons for summer — which replace last year's adaptive swim slots, raising concerns from a commissioner about access for neurodiverse kids.
San Gabriel City Council Meeting - Feb 3, 2026
The aquatic facility's failing pool heater will be replaced for about $33,000 plus contingency, keeping the pool usable.
San Gabriel City Council Meeting - Jan 20, 2026
The aging 1953 pool needs resurfacing, and its slide and diving board are safety hazards closed since summer 2025 — but the nearly $91,000 contract was pulled from tonight's agenda and will be back at a future meeting.
Community Service Commission (Regular) - Jan 5, 2026
The pool heater failed completely and a replacement part must be ordered and installed; the pool is closed until roughly January 26. User groups were notified and staff say the repair is affordable for the general fund.
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