The proposal to shut down the Brooks Street Swimming Center was abandoned after a 4-1 vote at Wednesday’s Oceanside City Council meeting.
Council members who proposed the idea faced criticism over the closure that others said would “marginalize a low-income community.”
Protesters rallied outside of City Hall ahead of the meeting with signs stating, “Nuestros barrios necesitan Brooks Street Pool” or “Our neighborhoods need Brooks Street Pool.”
Becky Larson, an Oceanside resident present at the rally said, “We need to serve the kids where they live, not somewhere else.”
Councilmember Chris Rodriguez opposed keeping the Brooks Street pool open, citing concerns over the operating costs for the new El Corazon Aquatics Center.
The El Corazon Aquatics Center is set to open after construction is completed this summer.
The “world-class aquatic center” will feature two big pools, a splash pad, locker rooms and more. The facility, located in the Rancho Del Oro neighborhood, is more than 4 miles away from the Brooks Street Swimming Center.
If the new El Corazon Aquatic Center runs into a financial deficit, the Oceanside council may consider closing the Brooks Street Pool during the off-season.
