Harvey West Pool is currently closed due to critical maintenance needs and insufficient resources to safely maintain and operate the pool. 

The City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department is working to restore services to Harvey West Pool. Here is a status update on Harvey West Pool:

In 2023, numerous pool improvements were made by the Parks & Recreation Department in an effort to re-open the pool and meet County Environmental Health requirements. Since that time, additional mechanical systems have failed making the pool inoperable. Parks & Recreation is evaluating the issues and seeking resources to invest toward the needed repairs to the pool. The target date to complete maintenance projects is June 2024.

In spring 2024, the Parks & Recreation Department issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to seek a contractual partner to operate and maintain Harvey West Pool. The target date to select an operating partner was June 2024. However, the process was cancelled due to changes in scope and budgetary requirements.

The estimated cost for the City to operate and maintain Harvey West Pool is approximately $1.3 million annually. Anticipated revenues would only cover a fraction of the total annual costs. Re-opening the pool to the public is contingent upon 1) making critical repairs to the pool and infrastructure, and 2) having the needed funding/resources or identifying an operator which can provide services and maintain the facilities and aquatics.

During the Winter 2023/24 season, the Parks & Recreation Department completed an aquatics market analysis and feasibility study in collaboration with ELS Consulting, Bay Area Economics (BAE), and Aquatic Design Group (ADG) to evaluate the specific needs for aquatics services and programming in Santa Cruz. The final document can be found here Feasibility Study-Harvey West Pool. The purpose of the feasibility study is to evaluate the overall market for aquatics services and provide a range of options for a future vision for Harvey West Pool.

In fall 2024, Parks & Recreation will be leading a community process oriented toward redesigning Harvey West Park. This will include a chance to re-envision the future of Harvey West Pool and the park as a whole. Additional information will be forthcoming on this community process.

Please contact us at parksandrec@santacruzca.gov or (831) 420-5270 with questions or comments. You may also contact the Santa Cruz City Council at citycouncil@santacruzca.gov.