Save The Plunge

City of San Diego’s Short-Sightedness Causes Historic Plunge Pool at Belmont Park to Close

To our supporters,

With our extreme disappointment the City of San Diego has taken a very one-sided view of the obligation to maintain the historic Mission Beach Plunge Pool Building.  To the detriment of the citizens of San Diego, the City’s short-term thinking has resulted in repeated structural failure of the Plunge building, closure of the Plunge Pool, and is now setting the stage for a repeat long-term economic downward spiral for Belmont Park and Mission Beach.  

After initially stating the building was NOT unsafe, the City has reversed course after a new engineering report we commissioned determined that damages to the building are severe enough to pose immediate life safety issues that stem from the original faulty design.  So who is responsible for repairing our historic treasure and City asset?

In the Fifth Operating Memorandum, (5-OM), an amendment to the Belmont Park Master Lease on June 26, 2000, it specifically required Mr. Lochtefeld the lessee, to propose a redevelopment plan by 2006 that would generate sufficient income to renovate the Plunge, so that it could continue to serve the public into the future.  Five years ago, Mr. Lochtefeld submitted his plan, which the City’s new administration rejected. As also provided in the 5-OM, Mr. Lochtefeld requested rent credits that could justify the structural refurbishment, but the City has inexplicably refused to provide rent credits that would allow for Plunge rehabilitation.  So, in effect, the City has blocked Mr. Lochtefeld’s ability to fund the structural repairs needed for continued operation of the Plunge pool.  

Because the City precluded Mr. Lochtefeld from redeveloping the property in a way that was economically viable, and denied his request for rent credits, Mr. Lochtefeld is not obligated to correct the major design flaws, or do the refurbishment that the Plunge structure requires.  To the contrary, the City, as the owner of the Plunge structure, is responsible for those repairs and alterations.  

The demise of the Plunge is but the first step in the negative progression that Mr. Lochtefeld had warned eleven years ago.  Mr. Lochtefeld has personally guaranteed a $17 million loan in his dream to rehabilitate Belmont Park and the Plunge.  Unfortunately, the City has now blocked his vision.  Mr. Lochtefeld has done everything he could to save the Plunge, but to no avail.  

The fate of the Plunge is now in the hands of the public and their ability to convince the Mayor and City Council to stop the myopic focus on obtaining short-term lease revenue, and rather, focus on finding a solution to preserving a City of San Diego historical treasure and the crown jewel of Mission Beach. Please sign the Save The Plunge petition here.

Once again, help us fight the City's unfair position and help us Save The Plunge by writing the Mayor of San Diego, City Attorney, Park and Recreation Board and District 2 City Councilmember. Let them know of your personal relationship with the Plunge pool and Belmont Park and your support of our continued efforts to operate, maintain and improve this historic pool and City asset. Click here to view contact information or fill out our webform email HERE - Thank you for your support!