HUNTINGTON BEACH : City to Buy Site and Refurbish Pool, Gym

The city will buy the property housing the historic City Gym and Pool--and it won’t cost the city a cent.

Jim Engle, deputy community services director, said the city will use money from a state park and recreation grant to buy the land for $437,000.

“It’s a windfall for the city,” Engle said.

The City Council this week approved buying the property at 17th Street and Palm Avenue from the Huntington Beach City School District.

For the past 31 years, the city has leased the facility from the school district. Engle said for the first 25 years, the city leased the building for $1 a year. But for the past six years, the city has paid $30,000 a year to rent the land.

“It’s a big benefit for us because now we won’t have to pay out $30,000 every year out of the general fund,” Engle said.

Engle also said the city is moving ahead with a $2-million phased renovation project for the building, constructed in 1931.

The city will use $500,000 in federal grant money for the first phase of the project to make the facility accessible to disabled people, remodel the game room, restrooms and office and install fire sprinklers. Renovation is expected to begin in August, Engle said.