Alameda's long-planned public pool complex is under construction at the western end of Jean Sweeney Open Space Park, near Atlantic Avenue and Constitution Way. Construction officially began on Aug. 10, and the city expects to finish in late summer 2028, though weather, field conditions and approvals could shift the schedule, according to an update from Alameda real estate firm Prevail that cites the city.
What's being built
The city's project page says the design includes a 30-meter competition pool and a 4,430-square-foot zero-depth-entry recreational pool with water features and a slide. A support building will have locker rooms, offices, mechanical rooms and a multipurpose room. Alameda Recreation and Parks Director Justin Long told the City Council in July that plans include parking for 50 cars and bicycle parking for more than 100 bikes, the Alameda Post reported.
Cost
The council first set aside $30 million for the project. On July 7, it voted unanimously to approve a $32.4 million agreement with Wickman Construction, Inc., plus contract amendments of $484,798 for Griffin Structures and $171,470 for ELS Architects. The Post reported that the total cost is now expected to be $40.5 million, including contingency and soft costs. Long said the budget has changed over the years because of construction costs, electrification, soil conditions and a shallow groundwater table.
According to the city's page, 11 of the park's 25 acres are finished. A community garden and the Alameda Free Library's Tool Lending Library are proposed as part of the project, depending on final costs, but the aquatic center is the funding priority.