Long Beach’s Belmont Plaza Pool is finally about to become a reality. The City of Long Beach announced that construction crews—after demolishing the mid-mod masterpiece that was the Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool over a decade ago—will break ground on Saturday, May 30.
“We’re not just talking about what’s possible, we’re building it,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a press release. “Breaking ground on the Belmont Plaza Pool marks a historic step forward. It delivers a facility that reflects the pride, history, and future of Long Beach. This is about creating a space where young people learn to swim, athletes train, and families gather. It is an investment that will serve our communities for generations.”
A brief history behind the Belmont Plaza Pool…
Last year, the City held a community meeting to go over the final design; this is what is being constructed today. It is definitively smaller in scale than previous, more ambitious plans had sought.
Former plans included a nearly $120M domed, Olympics-worthy pool in 2016. And a 2021 proposal that included separate recreational, diving, and competitive pools. Mired in ballooning costs and regulatory issues—the powerful California Coastal Commission ultimately dictated what can and cannot be built along our coastline, including this very pool—the City believes it for what was realistic and achievable.
What to expect from the new pool…
The new facility will include two distinct aquatic spaces: a 50-meter outdoor competition pool outfitted with a movable bulkhead to accommodate lap swimming, training and events, alongside a separate recreational and instructional pool featuring zero-depth entry access, spray features and dedicated areas for swim lessons and water play.
Additional amenities planned for the complex include shaded spectator seating, bleachers, locker rooms, showers, family changing areas and public restrooms.
Accessibility and inclusivity were major priorities throughout the project’s design process. Plans include universal access features such as pool lifts, accessible restrooms and family changing rooms, while the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine says it will launch a new Public Access Program once the facility opens. The program is expected to focus heavily on equity-centered access, including expanded youth programming, seasonal activities, transportation assistance, partnerships with schools and community organizations, and reduced-cost swim lessons and admissions.
The Belmont Plaza Pool is expected to open ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics. The City of Long Beach will host a public groundbreaking celebration for the new Belmont Plaza Pool from 10AM to 1PM on Saturday, May 30, at Termino Avenue and Olympic Plaza. For more information on the project, click here.
