City officials invite Lancaster residents and visitors to check out the facility updates and renovations to Eastside Pool. A Proposition A grant from Los Angeles County and City Capital improvement funds were used to complete the $350,000 project.
Guided by input from regular patrons of the pool, the city completed the following improvements: interior and exterior painting, pool deck resurfacing, pool bowl plastering, replacement of locker room and shower heaters, installation of upgraded restroom and locker room amenities, two energy-efficient pool boilers, two air conditioning units, two drinking fountains, a chemical control system, LED lighting, additional lanes for swim meets, and reconstruction of the retractable skylight.
The work also included Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility improvements, such as upgraded benches, doors, countertops, sinks and faucets. Topping it off, a new 100-foot wide by 25-foot tall vibrant wall mural, designed and hand painted by local Lancaster artist Julius Eastman, depicts a blissful tropical beach scene.
Renovations such as upgrading to LED lighting, installing energy-efficient pool pumps and boilers, and adding a water bottle filler that reduces plastic cup usage are all examples of the city’s commitment to utilizing smart technology and generating the greatest return on investment for taxpayers.
To provide the least disruption, a majority of the construction occurred after hours or between swim sessions. This method ensured minimal interruption to classes and operating hours throughout the entire renovation.
In addition to the enhancements to Eastside Pool, improvements to 5th Street East were also made to make traveling to the pool easier and safer. Crews constructed pedestrian curb bulb-outs with ADA compliant curb ramps to shorten the crossing distance at several locations. New traffic striping was also installed to create buffered bike lanes.
These improvements comply with the Master Plan of Trails and Bikeways and were primarily funded with Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant funds. The ATP promotes healthy lifestyles by influencing active modes of transportation, such as biking and walking. ATP also focuses on increasing safety and mobility for non-motorized users, as well as ensuring access for disadvantaged communities that can benefit from the program.
Eastside Pool is part of Deputy Pierre W. Bain Park, a 13-acre park located at 45045 5th Street East. This is a year-round public indoor heated facility that hosts lap and recreational swimming, lessons for all ages, water exercise and therapy classes, and competitions. Maintaining a safe and operational facility is a key factor in the city’s ability to provide year-round pool use for its citizens.
The city invites residents to enjoy these new upgrades and improvements for years to come. For more information regarding Eastside Pool, call (661) 723-6077, or visit www.cityoflancasterca.org/parks-recreation-arts.
