By Logan DeLeon
Star Intern
Lots of work on a new swimming pool and sports science complex at Santa Ynez High School is going on behind the scenes, even though construction is not expected to begin until 2020.
The new aquatics complex will have a 50-meter, Olympic-size competition pool with diving well; a separate 25-yard, warm-water therapy pool; an outdoor classroom and multi-use area; changing rooms with lockers and storage areas; an electronic scoreboard; and capacity for 1,000 to 1,500 participants and spectators, said Kristen Thomsen, the executive director of the SYV Community Aquatics Foundation.
It is intended to be a community pool as well as a high school pool. Through an agreement between the foundation and the school district and coordination with other groups, it is intended to be used seven days a week, year round, by people of all ages.
“Our over-arching goal is to provide a health and wellness hub around aquatics that provides all ages with access to sports, recreation, wellness activities and therapeutic programming to encourage active living,” Thomsen added.
Also anticipated as part of the project are a grand entry plaza dedicated to local veterans and, in a second phase, a sports science building integrated with the campus.
“We are working hard to fundraise and once we’ve reached our goal then, in cooperation with the high school bond measure improvement, we begin construction. The pool construction doesn’t start until 2020 … but we definitely have several million more dollars to raise,” she added.
The pool’s backers are trying to save time and money by coordinating with many high school projects that are being funded by the district’s latest bond measure, Measure K, but none of the bond money will be used for the pool project. That effort depends on donations.
Contributions can be made by visiting www.syvaquatics.org; texting “Give” to 805-422-SWIM; mailing a check made out to SYV Community Aquatics Foundation to PO Box 1617, Santa Ynez, 93460; by calling 805-694-8232; or emailing syvaquatics@gmail.com
“In addition to donating, we are hoping people will like our Facebook page (syvaquaticsfoundation) and start sharing their pool memories and pictures, as we are wanting to collect stories and memories to highlight how important aquatics is to healthy living and lifestyle,” she said.
“We have been chosen to be the beneficiary for the Wheels and Windmills Car Show in Solvang on August 25,” Thomsen added, “so folks can stop by our booth to get all the details of what’s going on and can make a donation.”
