Revitalizing the Smith Park Aquatic Center: A Commitment to Community Wellness

When I joined the Pico Rivera City Council in 2021, one of the most pressing issues brought to my attention was the closure of the Smith Park Aquatic Center due to years of deferred maintenance and neglect. The community had lost access to a vital recreational facility, and the situation demanded immediate attention.

Initially, we were informed that it would cost $3,000,000 to repair the water pumps and boilers to bring the pool back into operation. However, after I requested a thorough engineering assessment, we discovered severe structural issues, including significant cracks in the pool lining. The entire lining needed replacement, pushing the estimated repair costs to $7,000,000.

At this point, I knew we needed to do more than just patch up the problems—we needed a long-term solution that would serve our community for generations to come. I took action by forming an ad hoc infrastructure committee with my colleague, Councilmember Gustavo Camacho. Together, we worked tirelessly to secure the necessary funding for a comprehensive overhaul of the facility.

Our efforts were successful, and we ultimately secured $34,000,000 for a new and improved Smith Park Aquatic Center. The revitalized center will feature two state-of-the-art swimming pools: one designed specifically for toddlers, complete with water cannons, water buckets, and five swim lanes dedicated to swimming lessons; and another pool dedicated to competitive swimming and diving.

One of the most exciting features of the new design is the ability to offer year-round swimming, a significant improvement over the old schedule, where the pool was only open for a few months each year. This will ensure that our community has consistent access to aquatic activities, promoting health and wellness throughout the year.

Additionally, the new design includes large shaded structures to provide families with a comfortable space to relax while supervising their children. The project will also renovate the men’s and women’s
locker rooms, and the entire attached building will be modernized with newly designed community rooms and a meeting hall with an outdoor patio.

The Smith Park Aquatic Center has been closed to the public since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and remains closed indefinitely until it can be restored to operational standards. Originally built in 1982,
the pool had seriously deteriorated and no longer complied with current code requirements. This project will replace the pool, pool deck, and all associated equipment, including a new pool equipment building, as well as a full remodel of the existing recreation facility.

This ambitious project is more than just a renovation; it’s a commitment to restoring a vital resource for our community, ensuring that our families have a safe, modern, and welcoming place to enjoy year- round for years to come.