San Carlos picks Laureola Park for aquatic center: High level site decision invokes master planning process to ensue

The City Council has studied extensively various locations for a possible aquatic center, both within and without a community center, including at Laureola and Burton parks — but the latter was quickly discarded as an option. 

“We don’t want Burton Park to become ‘Burden Park,’” one public commenter said. 

Burton was described as the city’s beloved central park that may feel too crowded if any more is added to the very active park. Laureola, on the other hand, was identified as offering “real potential” to the east side community. 

Pursuing an aquatic center at Laureola Park — regardless of a future property acquisition and development of a community center — is “achievable in the near future,” Councilmember John Dugan said. 

Looking to acquire the property owned by the high school district adjacent to Laureola Park will be considered as an alternative path in a master plan process investigating all options at Laureola Park. 

The possible expansion of Laureola Park, with the property acquisition, was desired by most public commenters, who tuned in to the meeting late into the evening. 

While Councilmember Neil Layton said he was interested in investigating the purchase option, Councilmember John Dugan was hesitant to consider something that will cost a lot and likely take many years to develop. 

Still, councilmembers acknowledged the need for upgraded amenities on the east side as residential developments remain in the pipeline and are expected to progress in coming years. 

“You’ve always been underserved over there by way of community amenities, and I understand the appeal,” Dugan said to east side residents.

The aquatic center is proposed to feature a 25-yard swimming pool, splash pad, lawn lounge area and picnic and seating areas. An indoor support building that includes restrooms, a lobby and changing rooms will be included. The facility could support a range of activities, including swim lessons, aerobics, swim team practices and family recreational swim opportunities. 

The estimated cost to construct an aquatic center at Laureola Park comes in at about $12.8 million. This includes an estimated $6 million for the building, $6 million for the park and $800,000 for parking. 

Should the city look to purchase the adjacent property owned by the high school district, the construction costs would increase significantly to include a community center, with a total cost estimate of approximately $35.9 million — without the necessary property purchase cost included. 

To maintain a pool, it is estimated to cost approximately $1 million annually, including maintenance and staffing, the city’s consultant said. A pool would employ anywhere from 70 to 115 seasonal, part-time and full-time employees. It is estimated the programming, memberships and rentals could recoup about 50% of the expenditures. 

The city will now conduct a master plan of Laureola Park, which will include alternatives that consider a property purchase, an upgraded park and configurations of an aquatic center.

The City Council’s high-level decision Monday moves San Carlos forward, and closer to developing an aquatic center that residents have ranked as a top priority for decades. 

“We are trying to meet the needs of our community that likes each other and wants to hang out as a community,” Layton said. “The goal of a council should be to build community. That’s how I view this project, what’s going to build the community the most.”