Hoover’s approximately 12 million dollar pool redevelopment project promises a place for Hoover’s aquatic sports teams to call home again.
The pool demolition started in December of last year. The estimated completion date is May 2025.
The decision to build a new pool was made several years ago, and plans started after Glendale High School’s pool reconstruction was completed in mid-2021.
“We are doing projects to update our athletics, including bringing in new coaches,” says Evan Robb, the Assistant Principal of Athletics. “And we’re really trying to refocus on our sports to get the facilities to where they need to be.
The architecture firm tBP/Architecture, which focuses primarily on the education sector in California, designed Hoover’s new pool.
Superintendent Thomas and Project Manager Johnathan, two of the on-site Balfour Beatty construction staff, explained that Balfour Beatty is a general contractor whose job is to manage and oversee the project, outsourcing the construction to their trade partners.
He attends monthly construction meetings with the construction and design teams. This keeps the school aware of construction-related events—such as trucks and equipment coming into school—to minimize and avoid disruption to students and school activities.
The project experienced some delay due to heavy rainfall during demolition and the removal of the old retaining wall, contrary to the original plan to keep it.
The construction crew has begun concrete pours, having poured the first layer of concrete in the week of September 30 to October 4.
Once the first layer of concrete has cured, three other stages of concrete pouring and plastering will take place to finish the pool.
The new pool will be nearly level with the deck, and the perimeter of the aquatic center will have wrought iron fences instead of walls. The new pool will have outdoor showers, a concession stand, and a shallow side in the pool.
The funding for this project comes from Measure S, a bond by the Glendale Unified School District that was voted for by its citizens. The measure was approved in April of 2011 and granted the Glendale Unified School District 270 million dollars in general obligation bonds.
GUSD is the organization responsible for managing the 270 million dollars worth of bonds. GUSD’s planning team manages the project, assisting in design, construction, budgeting, planning, and contracting.
Routine restricted maintenance funds funded Hoover’s new football field and track last year. This year, it funded a refinish of the floor in the main gym.
Christian Hong, the newer of the two athletic directors, said, “I’m really excited about the pool renovations,” but made note of the hardship the teams face since they have to travel more for practices.
Mr. Hong added that the new pool is also great for the community, giving them more lanes and water to enjoy in the summer. However, it is unclear if the pool will be open to the community by the summer of 2025.
Hoover’s aquatic sports teams are currently using Glendale High School’s pool. As a result, all of Hoover’s water polo and swim games will be away, and practice starts at 7:30 p.m. instead of 3:30 p.m.
Hoover recently welcomed Coach Hovhannisyan as the new girls’ water polo coach. It is unclear if he will also coach the girls’ swim team, which currently does not have a coach.
The boys’ water polo and swim teams are still coached by Coach Harutyunyan and Coach Witt respectively.
Hoover’s new pool will possibly host the Crescenta Valley High School aquatic sports teams once their own pool reconstruction starts.
