SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – The Plunge, the largest historic indoor pool in Southern California, will be celebrating its grand reopening on March 1. The over 86 year old indoor heated pool is located at the Wave House Athletic Club in Belmont Park. Because the Plunge is such an iconic piece of San Diego history, its operator, Wave House Athletic Club, is opening it up to the public for 25-cent admission per guest on Saturday and Sunday, March 3rd and 4th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The engineering and construction plans are in the final stages of approval and we anticipate construction to begin within the next two or three weeks. The estimated repair time will take approximately two to three weeks as well, therefore we still plan on opening by the end of the year or within the first few weeks of 2012.
The press release sent out on October 10, 2011, regarding certain activities in the United States Bankruptcy Court affecting Wave House Belmont Park was not authorized by Kenneth A. Krasne, Court Appointed Receiver for Wave House Belmont Park. In fact, Mr. Krasne, who is responsible for the operations of Belmont Park, has a positive relationship with the City of San Diego, and he is working closely with senior members of the City’s administration to insure that Belmont Park continues to be an asset of both the Mission Bay community and the City of San Diego.
SAN DIEGO -- A city commissioned report on the safety of the Mission Beach Plunge Pool described the structure showing "no apparent sign of distress."
The pool was closed by its operator Wave House in May. Wave House owner Tom Lochtefeld cited safety concerns.
City officials paid for the report in part to refute Lochtefeld's assertion that the Plunge was hazardous. It comes as Lochtefeld and the city are embroiled in a legal battle over unpaid rent, maintenance responsibility and financial distress.
The historic Plunge pool in Mission Beach’s Belmont Park needs more than $1.9 million in repairs and isn’t likely to reopen anytime soon after closing in May because of safety concerns.
An engineering report commissioned by the city found that the indoor pool’s roof is in “significant disrepair due to extensive corrosion” that requires a minimum of $198,000 in fixes that would allow the building to reopen for up to six months.
- The San Diego Union-Tribune
Eleven years ago Belmont Park was a financial failure better known for its homeless population than its carnival rides. Today it is a quintessential San Diego attraction and the crowded epicenter of summertime fun in Mission Beach.
Residents of Mission Beach flooded council chambers on June 14 in support of Tom Lochtefeld (pictured at left), who leases Belmont Park.
"I'm here on behalf of businesses that are adjacent to Belmont Park," said local business owner Mary Saska. "Belmont Park, and The Plunge, is an icon. It's a place where you can bring your family."
More than one dozen supporters stood behind Saska, all asking that the City work with Lochtefeld and give credits towards rent so that improvements can be made and the park can reopen.
The battle between the city of San Diego and Belmont Park’s master leaseholder, Tom Lochtefeld, is another example of City Hall not seeing the bigger picture (“Historic Plunge closes in Mission Beach,” May 27). The continued maintenance of Belmont Park, the Plunge in particular, needs to be completed without delay and the pool reopened.
In response to “Historic Plunge closes in Mission Beach” (May 27):
"The Plunge is such a vital historical piece of San Diego. It is unique in its setting as well – near the ocean and the bay, surrounded by water. Yet it was a favored option for swimming, even with the natural, free places right next to it.
These are tough economic times all over. There are options for financing that are on the table that the city can work with or, at the very least, explore other creative options.
City of San Diego Rent Increase with Belmont Park Beginning to Show Signs of Cracks in Attraction’s Foundation as “The Plunge” Swimming Pools Closes for Disrepair
Belmont Park closed down the legendary and historic Plunge today and if I know anything about John D. Spreckels and that is he is not happy watching this mess unfold.
