Council finalizes plans for sharing high school pool
City might offer aquatics program
By Leigh Ann Maze
Saratoga's recreation department may soon be able to offer something the city has never had--aquatics programs for the community. The City Council unanimously approved a five-year contract with the Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District for the use of Saratoga High School's new Olympic-size pool, which is under construction. The school district and the city plan to work together to develop aquatic programs that serve the entire community, not just the schools.
The high school was able to start the pool's planned construction, with all of the hoped-for amenities, because of the city's $150,000 contribution from its general fund that the council approved on January 19.
After two years of fundraising, the high school still did not have enough money before the January 19 council meeting to fund all of the planned features for the pool. To cut costs, principal Kevin Skelly was prepared to choose a very basic construction plan. Thanks to the city's contribution, he was able to proceed with the full design of the pool.
In return, the city will use its contribution as a deposit against future use fees which it may incur for the recreation programs it holds on high school property. The remainder of the pool's $1.6 million cost was covered by Booster's Club, community and school district donations.
This winter, crews demolished the old pool, and now there is just a hole in the ground. The high school expects construction to be completed by the swim teams' season next fall.
Today, the city rents the high school's gym, tennis courts and playing fields for recreation programs. Recreation programs include the junior league team tennis programs and lessons, basketball camp, men's open-play basketball, men's basketball leagues and outdoor volleyball camps.
When the city begins using the new pool, high school functions will have first priority. Saratoga recreation department programs will have second priority, and community youth leagues will have third priority. The school district guarantees at least 400 hours of usage per year to the city.
Until now, the city has referred people who are interested in aquatics programs to the YMCA and the Los Gatos-Saratoga Education and Recreation Department, according to Kim Saxton-Heinrichs, the city's recreation supervisor. "We hope someday to be able to offer a swimming program," Saxton-Heinrichs said.
Saratoga, California Since 1955
