El Segundo reopens historic ‘Plunge’ swim stadium

The Plunge in El Segundo is back.

After being closed for seven years amid maintenance issues, the historic Uhro Saari Swim Stadium reopened with a grand opening celebration Saturday, June 6.

The Plunge originally opened in 1941, and at 85 years old, the city’s public pool was in need of a makeover to keep it safe and usable, while preserving the stadium’s history.

For more than 10 years, staffers had been patching up leaks to keep the aging facility afloat — but now it’s gotten get a real fresh start.

Renovation on the pool broke ground in 2024 and was initially slated to be complete last year.

With the new facility will also come an enhanced city aquatics program for all ages including swim and fitness classes, adaptive programs, community events and more.

Community members got to be the first to swim in the pool during Saturday’s opening event, breaking in the brand new waters after a ribbon cutting ceremony and tours of the facility.

This project also included upgrading code compliance issues and ADA requirements, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and aquatics components, and incorporated architectural enhancements that improve the overall appearance and feeling of the facility.

The aquatic center was named after Uhro Saari, who started the city’s swimming program and served as director of The Plunge. The former El Segundo High School swim and water polo coach became one of the most accomplished in California, training more than 30 water polo Olympians, serving on the Olympic Water Polo Committee several times, and being named National Water Polo Coach of the Year in 1964.

Saari was inducted into the USA Water Polo Hall of Fame in 1976. More than a local legend, according to a biography on South Bay Sports, Health and Recreation’s website; he became one of the most-respected water polo and swimming coaches in the nation.

As he made his mark, The Plunge served as a training ground for numerous swimmers and water polo players, becoming a cornerstone of the community and a beacon for aspiring athletes.