Long Beach leaders, local athletes, Olympians and community members gathered along the city’s coastline Saturday to celebrate the groundbreaking of the long-awaited Belmont Plaza Pool.
Officials called it a major public infrastructure project that will deliver a modern, accessible and community-serving aquatics complex ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The project had progressed through a complex and challenging journey shaped by rising construction costs, coastal regulatory requirements, and the need to redesign earlier concepts to ensure long-term financial sustainability while preserving the community’s core priorities. Now, it has finally reached the construction phase.
“We’re not just talking about what’s possible, we’re building it,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a written statement ahead of Saturday’s event. “Breaking ground on the Belmont Plaza Pool marks a historic step forward in delivering 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.”
The groundbreaking celebration featured remarks from city officials, young swimmers, local athletes and Olympic medalists Jessica Hardy and Ryder Dodd, highlighting Belmont’s aquatic legacy and the next generation of swimmers the facility will help inspire.
Family-friendly activities, giveaways and community resources were available following the program and ceremonial shoveling of sand.
“The Belmont Plaza Pool has been an important part of Long Beach for generations, where children learned to swim, families spent time together, and residents of all ages came to enjoy the coast,” Councilmember Kristina Duggan, who represents the 3rd District, where the project is located, said in a written statement. “After decades of planning, it is exciting to break ground on a project that will restore an important public asset, expand access to aquatic programs, and create a welcoming space for residents and visitors.”
The effort to replace the former Belmont Plaza Pool began after the facility was demolished in 2014 because of seismic safety concerns. Over the years, the city has worked closely with residents, community organizations and technical experts to refine the project’s scope and design.
The new facility will feature two bodies of water: a 50-meter outdoor competition pool with a movable bulkhead to allow flexible programming for lap swimming, training and events, as well as a separate recreational and instructional pool, featuring a zero-depth entry, spray feature and dedicated space for swim instruction and water play, according to a news release.
Additional amenities will include shaded spectator seating, bleachers, locker rooms, showers, family changing areas and public restrooms.
Accessibility and inclusivity are central to the design and future operations, officials said. Those features include the universal access components such as zero-depth entry, pool lifts, accessible restrooms and changing rooms.
Once open, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine will launch an equity-focused Public Access Program, providing expanded youth programs, seasonal activities, transportation support, partnerships with schools and community groups, and reduced-cost lessons and admission, according to a news release.
The Belmont Plaza Pool is part of the city’s Elevate ‘28 Infrastructure Investment Plan and is anticipated to cost $105.1 million. The current design has been refined to align with available funding while preserving essential programming, accessibility features and community-serving amenities, officials said.
Funding is provided primarily through the Long Beach’s Tidelands Funds and authorized appropriations, with a remaining funding gap identified and addressed through ongoing financial planning, according to a news release. Tidelands Funds are restricted dollars and can only be spent on projects along the coast in accordance to state law.
“Breaking ground on the Belmont Plaza Pool will mark the culmination of over a decade of planning,” City Manager Tom Modica said in a written statement. “We’ve taken a deliberate approach to ensure this project is feasible, responsible and aligned with community priorities. We look forward to delivering a high-quality facility that serves residents and visitors for years to come.”