Barnes Park Pool

Renovation, funding, construction status, and community use of Barnes Park Pool

Meeting history

1. July 15, 2026
   City Council Meeting — July 15, 202680%

   Dawn Rock, a long‑time resident and AWP representative, spoke about an upcoming fundraising event for the Barnes Park Aquatic Center. She outlined the event details—Thursday, August 6 at Dave & Buster’s in Arcadia from 5–8 p.m.—and explained the donation structure: a percentage of food, beverage, and game play purchases plus power card sales would go toward rebuilding the pool. No votes or formal actions were taken on the project during this meeting; the next step is to hold the event and collect donations for the rebuild.

2. June 9, 2026
   Monterey Park | State of the City Meeting — June 9, 202692%

   The council presented an update on the Barnes Park Aquatic Center, noting that the project remains in the design and fundraising stages with a $9.5 million budget, a $6 million grant, and a $3 million city match. No motions or votes were taken; the discussion focused on securing remaining funding and finalizing design plans. The next steps involve completing the design, continuing fundraising efforts to reach the $9 million target, and moving toward construction once funding is secured.

3. May 27, 2026
   Special City Council Mtg.: Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Workshop — May 27, 202692%

   During the Infrastructure and Technology Initiatives & Public Works Capital Improvement segment, council staff highlighted funding gaps for several projects, including a $25 million shortfall for the Barnes Park Pool. The discussion noted that no new bond is planned and that federal, state, and local funds are being pursued to bridge the gap. No motion or vote was taken on the pool project; the council simply requested further clarification and a detailed funding plan for the next meeting. The Recreation & Community Services overview also mentioned the Barnes Park Aquatic Center grant, underscoring ongoing efforts to secure financing for the pool’s redevelopment.

4. May 6, 2026
   City Council Meeting — May 6, 202685%

   During the May 6 meeting, council members and residents debated the renovation of Barnes Park Pool alongside a proposed data‑center ban. No motion was moved or voted on the pool project; the discussion remained at the level of public comment and staff briefing. The council noted that a subcommittee would be formed to pursue additional grant opportunities for the pool, and staff will continue to update on funding status.

5. March 18, 2026
   City Council Meeting — March 18, 202697%

   During the public‑communications portion, council members and community leaders debated the design of a new aquatic center at Barnes Park. The council ultimately moved to adopt Option B—a 50‑meter Olympic‑sized pool with a recreation space—by unanimous vote (5‑0) in Item 12A. The motion was seconded by Vinh T. Ngo and carried at about 64:00–66:00. Following the vote, staff was directed to use Option B in all future grant applications and to finalize full‑design drawings, secure additional funding (Measure A grant and city budget), and coordinate splash‑pad placement.