Meeting Time: January 30, 2024 at 5:00pm PST
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Agenda Item

5. 24-90 Discussion of the George F. Haines International Swim Center Visual Observation Assessment Conducted by LPA, Inc. and an Overview of Next Steps

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    Madika Bryant 10 months ago

    The repeated closures of the ISC have greatly impacted the athletes' training at the start of the season. Unlike other groups, diving requires more specialized equipment; it has been challenging to find nearby boards (athletes have to travel to Los Gatos, Novato, and Lafayette to practice). Please prioritize solutions allowing these hard-working athletes to allow them to practice w/out such a heavy impact on them, their coaches, and their families.

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    Anatoliy Ioffe 10 months ago

    Dear Council Members, please consider finding a solution to keep the facility open for the sake of the children who rely on the three impacted programs (swim team, diving team, and aqua performance). After having read the assessment report, it is not obvious whether the issues raised fall into the immediate facility closure category. Can a solution be found which involves limiting access to problem areas, etc.?

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    Lu Xiao 10 months ago

    Please consider restoring access to the ISC, a premium water sports center that holds significant prominence in Santa Clara County. Known for its extensive history, the ISC has long been a foundation of local heritage and sports excellence. Beyond its athletic offerings, it plays a crucial role in fostering community bonds and bringing people together. Its restoration is not just about sports; it's a step towards reviving a vital community gathering place and preserving a cherished legacy.

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    Teresa ONeill 10 months ago

    Please restore the community's access to water sports and recreation ASAP. Aquatics can be enjoyed by almost everyone of any age. Swimming is a needed life skill and promotes lifelong health. City Council, please negotiate a change to the 35 cent youth & senior fee in the Stadium lease. It is far too low and should not be capped at $250,000. Make it $5 per ticket and start building a revenue stream to build and maintain recreation facilities for everyone in Santa Clara. Thank you.

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    Tim Chen 10 months ago

    I am writing to urgently request the swift reopening of the ISC, vital for our children's daily training in swimming activities. While recognizing the need for repairs, we suggest a targeted approach, addressing issues area by area, rather than a complete shutdown. Divers, facing limited alternatives, have significantly different requirements. Temporary measures, like fencing off specific areas during repairs, can allow for necessary fixes without imposing a comprehensive closure.

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    Mark Co 10 months ago

    Please restore access to the ISC. The replacement pools/locations are not comparable. The divers have significantly different requirements to the swimmers. Alternative locations for divers are much scarcer. While there are issues with the ISC facility which I agree should be repaired, a full shutdown seems excessive. The issues can be addressed area by area instead. For example, if the lockerrooms are being repaired, that area can be fenced off and a new temporary entrance/exit can be used.

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    Megumi Masuda 10 months ago

    ISC has served as a place for developing competitive swimmers and fitness/social for the adults in our community. The city closed the facility without enough notice, any future planning, and alternative options. I believe that the pool is still operational while addressing other safety issues and it should be opened immediately.

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    Jan Kooy 10 months ago

    The reports do not identify any significant issue that warrants the immediate shutdown of the facility. The city overreacted to a poorly written and insufficient summary within the executive summary section of the report. There are issues that need to be addressed; however, they do not necessitate the immediate or indefinite closure of the entire facility. The city should develop a plan to address the issues and maintain the facility.

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    Sarika Singh 10 months ago

    ISC holds immense significance for our community and the future of our children. Not only does it provide a platform for swimming and diving, but it also offers opportunities that extend far beyond the pool. It serves as a training ground for future Olympians. My daughter, like many others, has dedicated years to this sport and the closure of the center has left a void in her life. It is crucial that the center reopens immediately or reasonable alternatives are provided in the interim.

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    Trevor Gillis 10 months ago

    The aquatics community has highlighted these conditions for decades. Unfortunately, any projects to repair or replace this facility will take years. The aquatics community cannot be without these pools while we wait for next steps and the backup pools are sorry replacements. The ISC pools are operational and I see nothing in this report that can justify their immediate closure. The pools should reopen immediately with modified access, with temporary replacement for some unavailable amenities.

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    Priyanka Khandelwal 10 months ago

    SCSC is a legend with a strong community and economic impact in Santa Clara. If SCSC were a country, it would rank in the top 50 Olympic medal rankings. ISC shutdown and lack of requisite training is shattering dreams of thousands. We ask for:
    1.Immediate help with finding alternate water at reasonable rates
    2.Immediately reopening ISC after addressing safety concerns including by cordoning off unsafe areas but keeping the pools open
    3.Expeditiously coming up with a plan to repair or rebuild ISC