Public Works

MLK Jr. Park Swimming Pool Upgrades

   

Completed Swimming Pool with new plaster, coping and cementitious deck (photo taken June 2025)

Completed Swimming Pool with new plaster, coping and cementitious deck (photo taken June 2025)

Completed Swimming Pool with new plaster, coping and cementitious deck (photo taken June 2025)

Completed Learner Pool with new plaster, coping and cementitious deck (photo taken June 2025)

New mechanical systems for the Swimming and Learner Pools (photo as of June 2025)

New coping installed to protect the edge and perimeter of the pool (photo taken April 2025)

Construction progress happening at the site (photo taken April 2025)

Preparing for new pool tile installation (photo taken April 2025)

Lane marking tile installed (photo taken April 2025)

Existing pool before construction start

Existing Swimming Pool before construction start

Existing Swimming Pool before construction start

Existing Learner Pool before construction start

Mechanical equipment before construction start

  

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Background

The swimming facility at 1910 Lemon Ave. has been a central part of Martin Luther King Jr. Park since the 1980s, when it first opened as an outdoor swimming pool, providing a space for residents and visitors to enjoy the water, partake in community activities and escape hot summer days.

Since then, the pool has undergone several upgrades to enhance safety and overall functionality, including enclosure of the pool area and construction of restrooms, locker rooms, showers, staff offices and a classroom.

Further improvements have been implemented by the Martin Luther King Jr. Swimming Pool Upgrades Project, which aimed to extend the life of the facility, improve accessibility and enhance the visitor experience in a two-phase approach.

Phase I of the project was completed by the Department of Public Works in February 2024, which included replacement of old plumbing in the restrooms, repair to discolored drywall in both locker rooms and refreshed spaces throughout the facility with freshly painted locker room walls, doors and windows.

Phase 2 improved key accessibility features and enhanced the entire facility though a host of upgrades, detailed below.

This project is part of the Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, a historic initiative dedicated to enhancing Long Beach parks, community facilities, mobility access, and streets. Learn more at lbelevate28.com.

Timeline

Objectives

• Improve accessibility to both pools
• Extend useful life of the facility
• Enhance visitor experience with refreshed interior and facility features

Project Features

Phase 1 focused on restoring and modernizing the facility’s core amenities with upgraded plumbing, drywall repairs, and a full repaint, small but essential steps toward a revitalized community pool experience.

Highlights:

• Upgraded the restroom plumbing fixtures
• Drywall repairs
• Painting

Phase 2 addressed key needs for safety, accessibility, and modern infrastructure.

Highlights:

• Installation of a new battery-powered lift for the swimming pool and learner pool, bringing the facility into compliance with current building code and ensuring inclusive access for all residents.
• Pool deck repairs and new waterproof coating that significantly reduce slip and fall risks, especially in high-use, wet areas. The new coating is durable and textured for maximum safety.
• New handrails and smoother pool plaster that make it easier and safer for users of all ages to enter, exit, and enjoy the pool.
• Refurbished diving stands and upgraded underwater lighting to bring the facility up to modern standards, improving visibility and overall safety for swimmers and lifeguards.
• Upgraded filtration, circulation, and heating system for cleaner, safer, and more energy-efficient operations, critical for maintaining water quality and complying with health and building codes.
• Lead abatement.

Project Funding

An Elevate ’28 project, the Martin Luther King Jr. Swimming Pool Upgrades are funded with Measure A funds, with a Phase 1 budget of $150,000 and Phase 2 budget of $1,700,000.

More Information

• October Martin Luther King Jr. Park Pool Improvements City Council presentation.              

Latest Updates

June 2025

The contractor completed the re-plastering and installation of new coping for both the Swimming Pool and Learner Pool. Light fixtures in the Swimming Pool were replaced, and new tile depth markers were added. A new battery-powered lift was installed at both the Swimming Pool and Learner Pool. Upgrades to the pool equipment, including a of new heater, circulation system and chemical feeders are now bee completed. Both diving stands are refurbished and repainted. Additionally, new cementitious coating for the pool deck has been completed.

April 2025

Construction began in February 2025, starting with lead tile abatement for both pools. The pools were drained, and existing mechanical equipment and plaster were removed. The contractor has installed new coping—material used to protect the edge or perimeter of a pool—around both pools and is currently finalizing perimeter and lane marking tile installation. New perimeter pool tile is being installed along with the lane marking tiles. In the mechanical room, new concrete pads have been placed, and a new motor and filtration system have been installed to ensure pool health and safety.

Next, the crew will prepare the pool deck, repair cracks and apply primer before laying down a cement coating. At the same time, mechanical components will be installed prior to the application of new plaster at both pools.