California Construction News staff writer
The Long Beach City Council voted 8–0 to authorize the city to enter into a construction contract for the Belmont Beach & Aquatics Center, clearing the way for construction to begin with Bernards Bros., Inc. as the selected contractor.
The approval moves the long-planned project from planning into construction and brings the city closer to delivering a new, inclusive aquatics facility on the waterfront.
“For more than a decade, the Belmont Pool has been talked about. Today, we’re moving from planning to building and putting shovels in the ground,” Mayor Rex Richardson said. “This pool has produced Olympians and world-class swimmers, and Long Beach deserves a world-class facility that reflects that legacy. And world-class facilities should come with world-class access—so we’re proud this project is moving forward with equity in mind.”
The project has followed a complex path shaped by rising construction costs, coastal regulatory requirements and multiple redesigns aimed at ensuring long-term financial sustainability while preserving community priorities.
“For decades, the Belmont Pool site has been an important part of Long Beach’s waterfront and a place where families from across the city come together,” said Third District Councilmember Kristina Duggan. “This approval reflects years of collaboration and community input. The Belmont Beach and Aquatics Center will be an accessible public space that respects the site’s history while meeting current and future community needs.”
City Manager Tom Modica said the city focused on balancing fiscal responsibility with regulatory and community expectations.
“Our focus was on delivering a project that is inclusive, financially responsible and buildable — one that balances fiscal realities and regulatory frameworks so the final result can serve Long Beach for generations to come,” Modica said.
The effort to replace the former Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool began after it was demolished in 2014 due to seismic safety concerns. Since then, the city has worked with residents, community organizations and technical experts to refine the project’s scope and design. Updated plans, renderings and cost information were shared at a community meeting in January 2025.
The revised project has since completed plan check and permitting approvals, including approval from the California Coastal Commission, and was released for competitive bidding among prequalified contractors. Bernards Bros., Inc. was selected based on its experience delivering complex public projects in coastal and highly regulated environments.
The city’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine currently operates three public pools — Silverado Park Pool, Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Pool and a temporary Belmont Pool. In 2025, nearly 64,000 patrons visited city pools for lap and recreational swimming.
The new Belmont Beach & Aquatics Center will feature a 50-metre outdoor competition pool with a movable bulkhead, as well as a separate recreational and instructional pool with zero-depth entry, spray features and dedicated space for swim instruction. The facility will also include shaded spectator seating, bleachers, locker rooms, showers, family changing areas and public restrooms.
“The addition of the new Belmont Beach & Aquatics Center will build upon our existing suite of aquatics facilities and programming,” said Stephen P. Scott, director of Parks, Recreation and Marine. “This is an exciting step forward in a long-awaited process.”
Accessibility and inclusivity are central to the project’s design and operations. Planned features include zero-depth pool entry, pool lifts, accessible restrooms and family changing rooms. The city also plans to emphasize equitable programming, with potential initiatives such as after-school and weekend swim programs, summer camps, partnerships with schools and community organizations, transportation assistance and reduced or subsidized swim lessons and admission fees.
“With this approval, we are ready to move into construction and deliver a thoughtfully designed facility that meets coastal requirements, prioritizes accessibility, and provides long-term value for the community,” said Public Works Director Josh Hickman.
The construction contract is valued at approximately $60 million. Funding will come primarily from the city’s Tidelands Fund and authorized appropriations, with remaining funding needs to be addressed through ongoing financial planning. Under state law, Tidelands funds are restricted to coastal projects.
The city anticipates breaking ground in summer 2026, with completion targeted ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.
More information on project costs, financing and final designs is available at BelmontPool.com.
