Barnes Park Aquatic Center

Project Description

Dedicated on March 21, 1949, the Barnes Park Pool was a cornerstone of recreation and community life in Monterey Park. Located in the city’s signature civic green space, it provided generations with swim lessons, aquatics programs, and a place for leisure and wellness. With its 50m, 8-lane Olympic pool and smaller instructional pool, it served competitive training, family use, and even Olympic athletes during the 1984 Games. Despite the City’s efforts, the facility reached the end of its service life and closed after summer 2021, marking the conclusion of its historic role and the urgent need for a new center to serve future generations.

Community Driven Progress

The City Council prioritized development of the Parks System Master Plan to guide the future of Monterey Park’s open spaces, recreational programming, and public facilities. Launched in March 2024 with support from LA County Measure A, the plan was completed and adopted on August 6, 2025. Through community surveys, park audits, and public workshops, residents consistently emphasized the need for a safe, modern swimming facility, leading the plan to identify the Barnes Park Aquatic Center as one of the city’s highest-priority reinvestment sites.

Next Steps

The City is seeking community input on conceptual designs for the revitalization of the Barnes Park Pool. On February 2, 2026, a Conceptual Design meeting was held at the Langley Center, with a public presentation that shared results from the previous community survey and public meetings. Presentation slides. The Barnes Park Pool Conceptual Survey closed on February 17, 2026. Results from the will be presented on March 18, 2026, at the City Council meeting.  

PROJECT FUNDING

Once a conceptual design is chosen, the next step is securing funding to move the project forward. The City continues to explore grants, public funds, and partnerships to bring the new pool from vision to reality. On February 18, 2026, the City Council approved $1 million toward the cost of construction documents for the design of the Barnes Park Aquatic Center. 

The City has applied for the following competitive funding opportunities:

- Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant ($6 million application request w/ a 50% match)

- Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Spaces District, Planning & Design Grant ($500,000 application request, no match)

- Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District, Regional Recreation Grant ($4 million, application request, no match)

- LA84 Foundation, Large Grant (Letter of Intent submitted for a grant request of $1,250,000)

- Statewide Park Program - Grant opportunity anticipated for Summer/Fall 2026 

PREVIOUS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MEETINGS

Join us to learn about the proposed revitalization of the community pool and how it will benefit residents of all ages. Share your feedback, ask questions, and help shape a facility that reflects the needs and priorities of our community.

FEB 2nd, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM

Langley Center, 400 W Emerson Ave

NOV 17th, 2025 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM

Bruggemeyer Library, 318 S. Ramona Ave.

NOV 6th, 2025 | 7:00 - 8:00 PM

Langley Center, 400 W Emerson Ave

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

Based on community feedback, conceptual design layouts that show different ways the pool site can be developed. These early plans will showcase varying features, spaces, programs, and amenities.

COMMUNITY DESIGN PRESENTATION

The design team will present early layout ideas for the community pool, highlighting the vision for updated features and spaces. Your feedback will help guide these concepts into a final design that reflects the needs and spirit of the community.

626-307-1320

zmazboudi@montereypark.ca.gov