HUNTINGTON BEACH : Historic Pool, Gym Will Be Revamped

City officials say the time has come to give the historic city gym and pool a $2-million make-over to recapture its original glory.

“It’s been in need of restoration for a number of years,” said Jim Engle, community services deputy director. “It’s a remarkable building and it’s needed for our community. It’s part of our history and recreation.”

Built in 1931, the facility at 17th Street and Palm Avenue is home to the only indoor gym and pool operated by the city. The facility, once part of adjacent Ethel Dwyer Middle School, has been operated by the city for more than 20 years.

Over the years, it has become a popular place where residents of all ages frequent year-round to swim, play basketball and volleyball or practice karate.

“It’s a landmark downtown. . . . There are a lot of generations using the facility,” said Dave Dominguez, the center’s director.

Dominguez said between 3,000 and 5,000 people visit the facility monthly for league play and drop-in use.

The State Historical Resources Commission approved the city’s application Nov. 4 to place the facility on the State and National Register of Historic Places.

Dominguez also said the facility is in dire need of repairs. For instance, the building has no heating and only cold water in the men’s locker room.

Renovations will be done in four phases with improvements made over the next five to six years. Engle said that, with the facility’s historic significance, the city will be able to apply for grants for the restoration work. He also said the city is negotiating to buy the facility.

Upgrades will include new heating, plumbing and roofing, making the facility accessible to the disabled, restoring the historic facade and refurbishing the gym and pool.

The city has secured $500,000 in federal grant money for the first phase, scheduled to begin next spring.