Pasadena OKs More Pool Funds : Board of Directors Raises Contribution to Rose Bowl Aquatics Center to $1 Million

The Board of Directors voted Tuesday to more than double its contribution to the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center to $1 million, clearing the way for construction of one of the nation’s largest swimming complexes at Brookside Park.

Mark Pisano, former chairman of the Rose Bowl Aquatics Corp., said ground will be broken for swimming pools and a clubhouse at the southern end of the park within a few weeks, and the complex should be open by the summer of 1990.

Pisano, who is executive director of the Southern California Assn. of Governments, said the new commitment by the city removes the last major barrier to the start of construction.

Pay 20% of Cost

The city has agreed to provide construction financing by issuing certificates of participation and to pay about 20% of the project’s $4.9 million cost. The city this week agreed to add $577,000 in contributions on top of $420,000 already given to the project. The new money includes $77,000 for off-site improvements and $500,000 to help repay the certificates of participation over a period of about 25 years.

City Manager Donald F. McIntyre recommended that the board approve the financial assistance in light of the aquatic center’s success in attracting private donations.

In addition to the city contributions, the aquatic center board has raised more than $1.9 million in corporate pledges, $513,000 from individual donors, $190,000 from a state park grant and $750,000 from the Amateur Athletic Foundation, which distributes profits from the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. The board is trying to raise an additional $775,000.

Unequaled in the West

John Naber, a swimming gold medalist in the 1976 Summer Olympics and chairman of the aquatics center board, said the Pasadena swiming complex will be unequaled in the western United States. With two 50-meter pools, it will be the only permanent facility west of the Mississippi River suitable for the Olympics, the Pan-American Games and other international competitions, he said.

The complex will include a wading pool and a clubhouse with lockers, training equipment and other facilities. The site was formerly occupied by the Brookside pools, which opened in 1923, became the site of Olympic trials and world-class swimming exhibitions, but fell into disrepair and were closed in 1983.

The city board approved additional funding for the project on a 4-2 vote. City Director Rick Cole said he was not opposed to the project, but objected to being asked to approve such a large expenditure outside the normal budget process. Director William Paparian expressed concern that the city’s bid procedures were not followed when the aquatics board awarded the pool construction contract even though the project will be on city land and is receiving a substantial city contribution. Members of the aquatics board said they advertised widely for bids and chose the low bidder, even though they did not follow all city procedures.

Director Loretta Thompson-Glickman initially voted against the increased city commitment to the project, but changed her mind when she realized that this week’s meeting was her last on the board and she would not have another chance to vote for it if the matter was delayed. She is retiring from the board and will be replaced Monday by newly elected director Chris Holden. Her change of mind broke a 3-3 tie that would have stalled the project. Directors John Crowley, Kathryn Nack and Jess Hughston also voted for the city commitment. Mayor William E. Thomson Jr. was absent.