The Plunge: Historic Belmont Park pool blends legacy with modern life

Nowadays s Plunge boasts floor-to-ceiling glass walls a retractable roof a poolside dining deck and a floating obstacle module File photo by Thomas Melville MISSION BEACH Limited landmarks in San Diego can claim a history as deep as The Plunge Originally called The Natatorium it was constructed in as the centerpiece of Belmont Park alongside the iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster Located in Mission Beach this indoor swimming facility fleetly became a focal point of recreation along the California coast Known then as the world s largest saltwater pool it welcomed families athletes and tourists for decades In current times nearly years later The Plunge has been re-imagined for a new generation without losing its historic charm Commissioned by developer John D Spreckels the original structure was part of the Mission Beach Entertainment Center Designed in a Spanish Renaissance style reminiscent of nearby Balboa Park the building featured massive archways and tiled details that mirrored the beauty of San Diego s cultural landmarks The pool measured feet by feet and held more than gallons of ocean-fed saltwater In the saltwater was drained and replaced with freshwater after it began to damage the pool s filtration system This change helped preserve the structure and maintain water quality for decades A article in the San Diego Union celebrated the debut as a marvel of design and engineering noting the crowds that lined up for their first dip Throughout the mid- th century The Plunge served as a neighborhood gathering spot for swim lessons school meets and summer outings After falling into disrepair and closing in due to structural issues and safety concerns the Plunge underwent a million restoration led by Pacifica Enterprises The Plunge circa s served as a neighborhood gathering spot for swim lessons school meets and summer outings Photo courtesy Belmont Park For the renovation efforts were made to restore and replicate historic architectural features including the original-style archways and decorative tilework The modern Plunge includes seven -yard lap lanes temperature-controlled water updated locker rooms and a turf fitness area Photo courtesy Belmont Park An inside look of the Plunge in the early days Photo courtesy STC Collection Renovations On July the pool officially reopened to the society with a ceremony that included a ribbon-cutting district leaders and children diving into the water to celebrate the long-awaited return At the time former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer praised the reopening calling The Plunge a beloved landmark for Mission Beach residents and the entire city of San Diego It has long been a place for children families and neighbors to exercise and make memories together This restoration ensures that various more generations of San Diegans can enjoy that same experience The renovation was completed in coordination with the city s Historical Guidance Board and the Save Our Heritage Organization Efforts were made to restore and replicate historic architectural features including the original-style archways and decorative tilework The present day s Plunge also boasts floor-to-ceiling glass walls a retractable roof and a poolside dining deck Now operating with heated freshwater year-round the modern Plunge includes seven -yard lap lanes a floating obstacle module and temperature-controlled water maintained at to degrees Visitors can enjoy updated locker rooms a turf fitness area heated showers cedar-lined saunas and cold plunge tubs This pool is iconic mentioned Darion Garrison director of operations at The Plunge San Diego When it originally opened it was the largest saltwater pool in the world Countless San Diegans for generations have learned to swim here He added The transformation of Plunge San Diego over the years has been grand From the high dives to the Wyland Whale painting to the multi-million-dollar renovation of the building you see now Plunge has remained a timeless classic for San Diegans and tourists alike We have constantly evolved as a business to stay relevant and attractive to members and guests Garrison announced During COVID when businesses were closing we started offering day camps and became an essential business The floating obstacle class was added around the same time This syllabus is unique to us and has been designed specifically for our facility He explained it hosted over birthday parties in offering an surroundings and sessions loved by children and adults alike The facility also hosts four major society events each year Garrison disclosed Including an underwater Easter egg hunt an End of Summer Splash this year will be our centennial celebration a floating pumpkin patch glow party and our biggest event Mega Noon Year This family-friendly event culminates with a -balloon drop at noon on New Year s Eve allowing the little ones to enjoy ringing in the new year If you go Access is open to the general through day passes or memberships Recreational swimming starts at per adult with discounted rates for youth under and seniors over Monthly plans range from to and short-term passes from to days are also available Our rates are catered towards families as a family of four can enjoy our amenities for for the whole day a m to p m In comparison an individual may swim for for hour for hours for hours or for a full-day pass Garrison declared The updated facility with entry through the north entrance of the building has received strong praise from locals and visitors alike One reviewer wrote This place is outstanding in all aspects The staff is very friendly constantly cleaning beautiful sauna such a treat to have this wonderful place open again Another visiting with three children noted They have an obstacle curriculum kids had a blast Longtime swimmers also have weighed in I swam in the old facility before the rebuild one lap swimmer wrote on TripAdvisor This new facility is first class the lanes are wide I heartily recommend The Plunge Garrison summed up the experience by saying Plunge San Diego is rooted in San Diego history We are the th historical landmark in San Diego with thousands of visitors every week Our building with a retractable roof allows guests to enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather year-round while safely swimming playing in our -degree water Our lifeguards are all American Red Cross-certified to ensure safety for all of our guests Also chiming in on its importance Bruce Coons executive director of Save Our Heritage Organisation mentioned of The Plunge SOHO became involved in the preservation of the Plunge as far back as the s Its loss would have meant erasing one of the essential links to the original Belmont Park SOHO never gave up and in again we worked to restore the iconic Batchelder tile retain the strategies pedestal and its ornate Spanish Colonial entrance arches that welcomed generations of swimmers The Plunge at reminds us exactly why we preserve historic places it has been at the heart of Mission Beach for a century and its story is one of tenacity Coons reported Its th anniversary is a reminder of what historic preservation means and of the deep connections people form to the places that shape their lives We recognize and appreciate the current stewards of The Plunge who have ensured it will long remain a vibrant part of Mission Beach That s something truly worth celebrating he added As it celebrates its th birthday The Plunge continues to offer something rare A historic venue that s still relevant full of charm and open to all From its grand saltwater beginnings to its present-day evolution as a fitness and family destination The Plunge is more than a pool it s a San Diego institution