Changing Tides: Pool Renovations

With the harsh summers coating California, a relief that can be widespread to the local student population is the school pool. Having its use for aquatic activities, such as the water polo team, swimming for the summer school students, and other general activities near the pool. However, being over fifty years old with few renovations did take its toll on the marine giant; due to this, the city of Whittier provided the AA Bond Project, which was passed in 2020. This provided the school with the funding to modernize the pool, enriching the experience of the local school community.

Shellie Jones, the Assistant Principal of Business & Activities, provided more information about this project. Priority in the project was given to the schools that were needed first, such as La Serna, which then led to the school of Cal High being next for renovation. Yet, the bureaucracy of the DSA (Department of State Architect) caused delays due to changes to specific sections of the pool needing individual approval, which, as always, caused a slight delay; however, the wait is now over. 

This summer, the green light was given, and construction began for a mass modernization project. The planned changes for the pool include adding features and upgrades, such as athletic improvements, including the addition of LED screens, snack shacks, and outside bathrooms, as well as combining the dual pools into a single one with depths of 3ft going to around 13ft deep instead of a separate pool for shallow depths and one for deep depths. And unlike Pioneer High School, which was made into a La County pool for the public, the pool at Cal High will be a private pool reserved for student necessity for events such as athletic games, such as waterpolo, activities near the pool, and occasionally, if one of the other pools in differing schools are unavailable, a spot for them to practice. 

With these changes, the pool at Cal High is poised to shine in the Whittier Union High School District, enriching the high school experience for the student population.