YMCA Pool Stays Closed

The Palisades-Malibu YMCA pool, located in Temescal Canyon on Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy land, closed in February due to necessary and expensive plumbing repairs (with guesses going as high as $400,000). Whether the pool ever reopens depends on an interpretation of ‘the useful life of the facility.’ In 1994, the YMCA and the Conservancy operated under a basic agreement: ‘Conservancy will honor the existing pool lease between the Synod and the YMCA for the term of that lease and will continue the lease on the same terms thereafter for the existing useful life of the existing pool. The parties agree that on the expiration of said existing life, the parties will enter into negotiations for the possible replacement of said pool on such reasonable conditions as can be agreed to at such time for the continued use and/or management of the facility by the YMCA.’ In a May 29 e-mail to the Palisadian-Post, the Conservancy’s executive director, Joe Edmiston, wrote: ‘The YMCA pool is at the end of its useful life and hundreds of thousands of dollars will be required to bring it up to standard.’ He cited the YMCA/Conservancy agreement and continued: ‘We expect to receive proposals from the YMCA (and perhaps other groups). Meanwhile, it is good news for the entire community that the Rose Gilbert Pool at Palisades High will be dedicated in August, with construction finished as soon as funding will allow. Perhaps those most interested in quickly resuming local swimming would be wise to consider a contribution to that pool.’ Carol Pfannkuche, the Y’s executive director, responded to Edmiston’s statement in an e-mail to Edmiston and the Post: ‘One point of clarification: the YMCA does not believe the pool has reached the end of its useful life. In past discussions, you have stated that you are not in the pool business and it is up to the YMCA to determine what needs to be fixed and how to pay for it. We have every hope and expectation that rehabilitation of the existing pool is possible.’ Edmiston responded, ‘A $400,000 fix may give the pool a new lease on life but that major investment doesn’t fall within the terms of the November 1994 agreement which speaks of the ‘existing useful life of the existing pool.’ ‘But, I’m no pool expert. We shall consult with such [experts] and with the Attorney General’s office with respect to the proper interpretation of the 1994 agreement. ‘Most importantly, we look forward to seeing your proposal soon and being able to evaluate it with respect to the mission of the Conservancy.’