Construction at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center is progressing on schedule following the facility's closure on Nov. 17, though officials have not yet set a specific reopening date beyond early 2026.
Representatives of the aquatic center told Parks and Recreation Committee members at a Tuesday meeting that demolition work in the mechanical room has proceeded smoothly during the first weeks of construction.
"Everything is looking really good with what they're taking out of the mechanical room right now, and there haven't been any major issues they've run into with removing anything at this point," one staff members said.
The project involves a complete renovation of the facility's pump room and pool filtration systems, replacing aging infrastructure including pumps, filters, and heaters for all three pools at the center. The upgrades are designed to improve water quality, reduce service interruptions, and enhance energy efficiency.
The facility had a full week of work plus three days before the Thanksgiving holiday interrupted construction. Workers have cleared significant portions of the mechanical room, with updates posted on the center's Instagram account showing the progress.
All equipment for the renovation has been ordered but has not yet arrived at the site. The timeline for reopening depends on when the equipment arrives and how long installation and testing will take.
The renovation addresses mechanical systems that were originally installed when the aquatic center opened in 2011 and have seen heavy use over the past 14 years. The systems had become increasingly prone to maintenance issues, particularly during the summer season when usage is at its peak.
The renovation will not only replace outdated equipment but also reconfigure the pump room to optimize space and accommodate more energy-efficient technology.
The city has invested over $4.5 million in the aquatic center since it opened, with the current fiscal year's capital investment project totaling approximately $1.2 million. Recent improvements from 2021 to 2024 included pool resurfacing, mechanical replacements, new shade structures, and facility repainting and safety upgrades.
Staff members are also using the closure period to complete maintenance projects, including repainting rooms and draining the splash playground for maintenance work.
The reopening date remains set for early 2026, though no specific date has been determined.