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Pools

Introduction

Pool Ladder and Water

The Emma Hood Swim Center, which is located at Alameda High School (AHS) and is 65 years old, has been in disrepair for some time. The Alameda County Department of Environmental Health Department (ACDEH) first issued a notice of closure due to public safety and code violation concerns in 2010. Since then, AUSD, the City, and ACDEH have met repeatedly to develop solutions to the many problems afflicting the pool, but the overall problem remains that it is an old facility in need of a significant rehabilitation or replacement.

In 2019, the ACDEH issued a Notice of Health Concerns to AUSD about the condition of the pool. The agency is allowing the pool to stay open until the end of May so that the AHS water polo team can use it to complete its season. After the season ends, however, the pool needs to be closed until it is repaired, replaced, or removed.

A joint ad hoc committee of City and AUSD staff and elected officials is now meeting to come up with a short-term repair plan as well as a long-time solution to the swim center. This page contains links to presentations to the Board of Education, an FAQ, and information about the ad hoc committee.

Emma Hood Ad Hoc Committee

In February 2019, the City of Alameda and AUSD set up a joint ad hoc committee to discuss the Emma Hood Swim Center. The committee members include:

  • Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
  • Vice Mayor John Knox White
  • Board of Education Member Ardella Dailey
  • Board of Education Member Gray Harris
  • Student Board Member Lydia Peterson
  • AUSD CBO Shariq Khan
  • AHS Principal Robert Ithurburn
  • EJSHS Athletic Director
  • Interim Assistant City Manager Amy Woolridge
  • Representatives from ARPD and Alameda's aquatic community


Board of Education PresentationsJanuary 28, 2020: "Approval of Emma Hood Swim Center Lease"
May 14, 2019: "Status of Emma Hood Swim Center Complex and Approval of Contract for Short-Term Repairs"
February 26, 2019: "Update on Emma Hood Swim Complex"

News Coverage:   "Alameda Swim Center Could Close in May Due to Safety Concerns"

Community MeetingsIn the winter and spring of 2020, the City of Alameda held a series of community meetings about features and design of an aquatic center. Those meetings were held:

January 29, 6 to 8 pm - O'Club (641 West Redline Ave, Alameda Point)

February 12, 6 to 8 pm - O'Club (641 West Redline Ave, Alameda Point)

You can find more information about the meetings on the City's website.

FAQIn May 2019, AUSD and City Staff jointly developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the status and potential of Emma Hood pool. You can find that FAQ here.