$9M Rehab For Old YMCA In Temecula Gets Closer

TEMECULA, CA — The city of Temecula is getting a step closer to constructing a new recreation center in Margarita Community Park in place of the former YMCA building.

On Tuesday, city council members will review the project and potentially make approvals that will push the nearly $9 million dollar rehab forward.

Located at at Margarita Community Park (29119 Margarita Road), the existing Margarita Recreation Center features a large building and pool that was once used by the YMCA for youth development and community service programs.

But in 2012, Temecula City Council unanimously approved the purchase of the struggling facility — which sits on city-owned land — for $1.6 million. At the time, the YMCA said its Temecula location was in dire financial straits.

Over the years, the city has continued to provide community programs and classes at the center. But to expand the uses there, city officials decided that demolishing the existing facility — to make way for a new building and pool — would best address the needs of the city and community.

During Tuesday's city council meeting, council members will decide whether to approve a short list of six firms that could provide all the design-build services for the project. It will mark the first design-build effort for the city.

If the short list is approved, the city will then reach out to the bidders to solicit proposals for their design-build services.