Thanks to the generosity of alumni, parents, and school supporters, swimmers will have a chance to dip their toes at a new state-of-the-art aquatics center at Crespi Carmelite High School.
The Encino school announced this month the completion of the $10 million Robinson Family Aquatics Center, as part of the first phase of a renovation project that envisions a new chapel, multi-level parking structure with rooftop turf field, theater lecture hall, and science labs.
The center includes a 50 meter x 25 yard Olympic-size competition pool, as well as a 60 x 30 foot "restorative wellness plunge pool." It also features concrete bleachers and a two-story pavilion with offices and locker rooms.
“This is the beginning of a new era for our swimming and polo teams. This new facility is, without question, the premier long-course Aquatics Center in the San Fernando Valley,” said Crespi Carmelite High School President Dr. Kenneth Foersch in a news release.
The Olympic pool was designed by Myrtha Pools of Castiglione della Stiviere, Italy, known worldwide as the Olympic standard of competition pools. It was was built with a modular stainless steel construct and chromium-rich alloy panels that "provide resistance to chemicals and corrosion commonly found in a pool environment, " according to the school's announcement.
For one, the school hopes the pool's world class features will attract athletes training for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“Having people training to be at the top of their given field is a great example for our students, both the boys here at Crespi and the young women at our sister school, Louisville High School,” Foersch told Angelus.
But school officials also envision the aquatic center becoming an important part of the local community, with plans to offer swimming lessons, lifeguard training, and lap swim to the greater public once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Until then, the pool is currently only open to Crespi and Louisville High School aquatic athletes.
