The city of Carpinteria's deck has major cracking and corrosion, according to city spokespeople. A $3.3 million grant from the state of California will fund needed pool repairs, the city announced Monday.
The city of Carpinteria's deck has major cracking and corrosion, according to city spokespeople. A $3.3 million grant from the state of California will fund needed pool repairs, the city announced Monday. Credit: City of Carpinteria photo

The city of Carpinteria will receive $4.4 million in one-time state funds for the city’s pool and library, spokespeople said Monday afternoon.

State Senator Monique Limón secured the funds and Governor Gavin Newsom signed the one-time funding package into law, according to city spokesperson Juliza Briones and Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Jeanette Gant.

Of that money, $3.3 million will be used for repairs to the city’s Community Pool, which is four decades old. Parts of it are in critical need of repair or replacement, including the pool deck, pool gutters, mechanical equipment, chemical feed systems and pool heater, Gant said in August.

The remaining $1.1 million will be used for accessibility and facility improvements to the Community Library.

Limón said the two facilities “serve as community hubs for education, recreation, social connection, and lifelong health.”

She added: “Ensuring our local infrastructure remains safe and functional is a top priority… I was proud to secure a $4.4 million state investment to support the City of Carpinteria’s efforts in preserving these vital resources for residents and future generations.”

This news comes as the city has separately received $496,000 in donations toward pool repairs, under a Santa Barbara Foundation-administered campaign that launched in August.

Those donations came from individual residents and a number of groups, including the Ann Jackson Family Foundation, the Bliss Family, Marilyn Jenkins, the LaCentra-Sumerlin Foundation and the Alice Tweed Tuohy Foundation.

The city of Carpinteria has received .3 million in funding from the state to repair its pool, pictured.
The city of Carpinteria has received $3.3 million in funding from the state to repair its pool, pictured. Credit: City of Carpinteria photo

Next Steps

The city is still hoping to raise an additional $500,000.

Those funds, as well as the $496,000, will be used for pool enhancements that will ultimately lower operating costs and extend the facility’s life, Briones and Gant said: energy-efficient LED lighting, thermal pool covers, new lane lines, a pool vacuum, durable interior flooring, new paint, and new entry signage.

The city also hopes to add more CPR and safety eqipement.

Moving forward, any additional money raised will go toward a Santa Barbara Foundation capital replacement fund.

Gant said additional donations will help the city “enhance the day-to-day experience for our swimmers and help ensure our pool remains welcoming and well-maintained for years to come.” 

City Mayor Natalia Alarcon called the state grant news a “milestone” and the “definition of a true team effort.”

“We are deeply grateful for everyone who helped bring us to this moment,” she said. “From the local residents and community leaders whose contributions built critical momentum, to Senator Monique Limón and Governor Gavin Newsom’s support for Carpinteria on the state level, this achievement belongs to all of us.”

Gant said in August that if the city hit its $3.3 million in funding — which it now has — the pool would be closed for six months over winter 2027-28 for construction.

— Noozhawk South County editor Evelyn Spence can be reached at espence@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.