Campbell’s 75-year-old community pool has been taken out of service after crews found leaks that officials say are beyond repair. The closure wipes out a low-cost spot for swim lessons, lap swimming and therapy, and it leaves about two dozen temporary lifeguards and instructors wondering what comes next while the city maps out a replacement.
City Pulls Plug After 'Substantial Water Loss'
The city drained and shut the Community Center Pool at the end of programming on Tuesday after what officials described as substantial water loss made it infeasible to keep operating. In an update, the City of Campbell said many summer programs will shift to Westmont High School starting July 20, while all sessions scheduled after August 9 have been canceled and will be refunded. Staff are reaching out to everyone enrolled, and some lap-swim hours will simply disappear from the schedule.
Swim Instructors And Patrons Sound The Alarm
“This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made in my professional career,” Natasha Bissell, director of Campbell Recreation and Community Services, told San José Spotlight. Longtime instructors and regulars told the outlet they relied on the pool for affordable lessons and therapy. Maggie Eyerman said she was really sad to lose a low-cost option, and Yvette Felix-Tsaboukos said missing regular swims will hurt treatment for a blood clot in her leg. Advocates noted that an hour-long swim session at the city pool could cost as little as $3, which made the shutdown especially tough for families and seniors on tight budgets.
Timeline And Public Input On What Comes Next
City documents had previously targeted August 31 as the final day of operation, with September 1 listed as the official closing date, while warning the facility might have to go dark earlier if conditions deteriorated. That warning has now become reality. In a frequently asked questions page, the City of Campbell says it will host a community meeting on Thursday, August 6, at 5:00 PM in Room Q80 to gather input on a replacement pool. The FAQ notes that refunds or credits will be communicated to affected patrons and stresses that the schedule for any new aquatic facility will hinge on planning, funding, environmental review and permitting.
Who Pays For The Fix And Who Loses Out
The Campbell City Council has approved about $12 million in 2025 for a replacement pool, but local leaders say that budget line alone will not shortcut lengthy design and permitting work. As San José Spotlight reported, the heated pool was built in 1951 as part of Campbell High School and measures roughly 25 yards by 20 yards. It employs about 25 people, most of them temporary lifeguards and instructors, with one full-time city employee set to be reassigned. Officials and advocates have floated ideas for a replacement that could include a small teaching pool and upgraded locker and equipment rooms, but there is still no firm start date for construction.
Where Neighbors Can Swim Now
Campbell Recreation has confirmed that many classes and lessons will continue at Westmont High School starting July 20, although some lap-swim slots will not be replaced. For many residents, the closest public alternative is the Camden Community Center at 3369 Union Ave. in San José, which has a 25-yard pool with summer recreation and lap-swim hours, according to the City of San José. Anyone with questions about refunds, registrations or seasonal employment is being directed to contact Campbell Recreation for case-by-case guidance.
