LAUSD proposes $41 million aquatics center at Birmingham site; board hears early details

District facilities staff briefed the Birmingham Community Charter High District board on a planned Los Angeles Unified School District aquatics center that would replace the school’s existing outdoor pool complex and support buildings with a new competitive facility.

Staff said the LAUSD scope documents estimate a $41 million project to demolish the old pool, construct an Olympic‑scale outdoor pool and associated support buildings, accessible bleachers, LED sports lighting, scoreboard, locker rooms, pool equipment rooms and site improvements. The presentation noted the design would meet CIF and pool facility rules and that the project timeline shows design and procurement ahead of construction targeted to begin in late 2027.

Facilities staff said the proposed location is west of the current athletic fields, near the gym and locker rooms, and that some parking and adjacent field areas may be reconfigured. Staff also reported the bond oversight committee has reviewed and approved the project scope and cost and that LAUSD will take the plan to its board for formal approval.

Board members and staff discussed logistics that would arise during construction — materials staging, temporary parking loss and preservation of historical elements related to the current pool complex — and asked staff to pursue commemorative or memorial elements to acknowledge the existing pool’s history. The presentation clarified the project is an LAUSD bond initiative; Birmingham staff said timing, construction staging and final design remain subject to LAUSD approval and standard bond project processes.