Belmont Pool Closed by City - Now What Do We Do?

This is my first blog and it's compelled by the recent rush job happening with a public gem that both the recreational and competitive aquatics communities depend on: The Belmont Plaza Pool.

I was there when it opened in 1968, and I still occasionally swam there. In fact, I moved to Long Beach in 1980, because I got tired of the trianglular work commute I was driving daily from Lakewood to downtown Los Angeles to the Belmont Pool to join a swim workout, then back to Lakewood.

I wrote an e-mail to Councilmember DeLong several days ago, with a copy to each Councilmember. Gerrie Schipske first posted it on her blog, then it was posted here on the Patch. Now I'm going to try to be a "blogger" here myself.

I hope to keep you all informed as to what is happening with plans for a new, replacement aquatics complex, although things are moving so fast and furiously right now that I can't even keep up with it all!

Tonight, February 12, the Long Beach City Council will be discussing the city staff's proposal for replacing the now permanently closed Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool. This is fast, considering the pool was just closed on January 10. 

Lots to do to get you caught up. Posting this entry for now - back later with more. Share your thoughts about the pool and whether and how it should be replaced.