Foundation announces new milestone in fundraising for proposed pool complex at SYHS
It’s not often — or ever, for that matter — that you expect to see local mayors and councilmembers jump into the pool in support of a new aquatic center, but in the early morning of Feb. 7, that’s exactly what happened at Santa Ynez High School.
The occasion was the SYV Community Aquatics Foundation’s Polar Bear Plunge, which highlighted the foundation’s effort to build a new two-pool Aquatic Center to replace the single-pool complex where the Polar Bear Plunge was held.
The occasion was attended by several members of the Solvang and Buellton city governments, including Solvang Mayor David Brown and Buellton Mayor David Silva. The two then kicked off the plunge by doing cannonballs into the pool, with Silva wearing some floaties to get into the spirit of things. They were followed by City Councilmembers Claudia Orona (Solvang) and John Sanchez (Buellton) and Solvang City Manager Randy Murphy, SYVCAF President Lisa Palmer, and Buellton Rec Coordinator/SYVCAF Board Member Kristen Thomsen.
After that Valley residents of all ages were invited to jump in and enjoy the current SYHS pool for about an hour as coffee and donuts were served and information on the proposed Aquatic Center and signups for current aquatic programs were made available.
Before all the officials cannonballs, Palmer was able to kick off the series of speakers by the pool by making a promised “big announcement” that the fundraising campaign, which has a $13.7 million goal, has passed a notable milestone.
“I’m happy to report we have gone past the $5 million mark,” Palmer said as the crowd applauded. “We reached the mark after a $250,000 donation from the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.”
Another big part of that $5 million was a joint agreement by the cities of Solvang and Buellton, who will share in the management of the Aquatic Center, and earlier this year agreed to each pledge $500,000 toward the project.
“We’ve been hearing for almost decades the need for a new pool,” Buellton Mayor David Silva said. “But this is more than just building a pool, it’s providing access. That means access for student-athletes to have first-rate facilities, access for students and community members to learn about aquatics”
“I think the effort to bring it this far has shown the courage and tenacity of this group,” Silva continued and lauded Palmer for spearheading the effort.
Solvang Mayor David Brown said the progress of the project is an example of neighboring communities working together.
“It’s not just the fundraising and putting the pool together, but all of us putting in a little bit and a little more,” he said. “This project mean safety for children, who will learn how to swim, therapy for seniors, and togetherness for a pool that serves the whole community.”
Also speaking on behalf of Santa Ynez High were District Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Sheehan, and SYHS aquatic athletes Atticus Heimerdinger and Jake Montejano.
Sheehan praised the support of the community for the school’s activities as well as academics, and said the development of top-notch facilities breeds success.
“Last year we were able to renovate the tennis courts, and last fall our girls tennis team won the CIF championship,” she said. “Last year we had donors put in the [sand] volleyball courts, and our beach volleyball team made it to the CIF semis.”
Sheehan added that the current pool used by the water polo and swimming programs aren’t up to CIF standards, so the athletes spend a lot of time on the road for playoff games. That point was echoed by Heimerdinger when he spoke.
“A new pool really would mean a lot to us,” he said. “Our pool does the job, but really needs a lot of work. A few days ago, the heater went down and we had to practice in freezing water, and I know the girls water polo team had to go to Lompoc every day for a week for practice and games because they couldn’t have games here.”
Heimerdinger also said there are plenty of aquatic athletes to come in the future who would love to have a new facility.
“I coach swimming at the YMCA, and there are a lot of kids who are passionate about swim, who are looking forward to swimming at the high school, and if they have this great new pool, I think it would bring out the best in them.”
The Aquatic Center, as projected would consist of two Myrtha pools — one a competition-ready 33-meter pool with the same depth all-around for water polo matches and swim meets. The addition of this pool would allow the SYHS programs to host postseason CIF events. The second one would be a warm 25-yard pool for fun, lessons, and fitness. The center would be located at the present pool location southeast of Rio Memorial Field and next to the SYHS gym.
According to the SYVCAF, the target date to raise the $13.7 million to build the center will be December 2026, with construction to hopefully begin sometime in 2027 once full funding is secured and building permits are secured, and the center to open in summer 2028.
For more information on the Aquatic Center project, its progress, and how you can keep track of the project, go to www.syvaquatics.org/
