Artwork courtesy of the Friends of the Fremont Pool
A drawing of the proposed Olympic-sized pool to be built in Sunnyvale's Fremont High School. The Friends of the Fremont Pool have thus far raised $665,000 of their promised $1 million of the city's share to build the pool. The city's total share is $1.4 million.
Group raises $665,000 for new pool
Friends of the Fremont Pool originally pledged to raise $1 million
By Daniel Hindin
The Friends of the Fremont Pool, who helped assure approval of a 50-meter Olympic-sized pool at Sunnyvale's Fremont High School, have raised over $665,000 toward its construction.
As part of their agreement with city council last year, pool supporters promised to raise $1 million toward the city's $1.4 million share of initial construction costs. Although city council's approval means they will build the pool with or without the $1 million, Sunnyvale resident Holly Lofgren and the Friends of the Fremont Pool said they won't rest until they reach their goal.
"The community agreed to raise the funds and we still intend to do so," Lofgren says.
Multiple sizable donations from Fremont High alumnus Dale O'Rourke totaling more than $20,000, as well as $350,000 worth of state funds from an addendum to the state budget sponsored by Sen. John Vasconcellos and Assemblywoman Elaine Alquist helped get the campaign off the ground.
The 50-meter by 25-yard pool, designed by the Aquatic Design Group, will contain 23 short course lanes and nine long course lanes. It will span roughly four times the size of any other existing public pool in Sunnyvale.
In addition to the pool, the architects designed a 3,024-square-foot public shower building and entranceway. The structure will include showers, lockers, bathroom facilities, user-group office space, a training room, a lifeguard station and plenty of storage room.
"The Aquatic Design Group is the best pool architect in the area," Lofgren says. "They designed public pools in Burlingame, San Ramon and Roseville."
Officials say the large size will allow them to schedule more than one program at a time.
Lofgren says, "We're going season by season, lane by lane to divide pool access between the community and the school. During the summer, it will be totally open to the public. We'll be able to split times between serious and recreational swimmers.
"Two organizations have already submitted proposals for programs," she continues. "The Sunnyvale Swim Club wants to expand from 75 to 250 kids. Right now they have to leave Sunnyvale to go to a pool that can accommodate their size. And the Mountain View Masters want to run an adult master's program. Anyone who wants to submit a program proposal should contact Robert Walker, Sunnyvale's director of parks and recreation," she said.
Officials will begin taking bids from construction companies within the next 30 days, and expect to hold a groundbreaking sometime in April. They plan on opening the pool to the public on Jan. 1, 2002.
"We're seeking a corporate sponsor to put the next big piece in place," she says. "Three large companies have their world headquarters within four miles of the pool. It would be a wonderful chance for them to be recognized as good corporate citizens. Surely their employees and their families would love to take advantage of these facilities."
Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
