A new beginning for El Segundo’s more than 80-year-old public pool is officially coming.

The city held a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 20, for the renovation of its Urho Saari Swim Stadium, also known as The Plunge, marking the start of a new era for one of El Segundo’s most-cherished community landmarks.

The facility, 219 W. Mariposa Ave., is slated to reopen in fall 2025. It closed in 2019 because of ongoing maintenance issues.

The Plunge Fundraiser Limited Edition Set is a distinctive collection of just 30 items dedicated to supporting the restoration of the "Plunge" pool in El Segundo. Created by Curtis Green, a substantial portion of the sales from the "Ultramarine, The Plunge" archival gicleé will contribute to the fundraising efforts.

The Plunge has been a centerpiece of the El Segundo community since its opening in 1948. Generations of families have learned to swim and created lasting memories at this historic public pool. Thankfully, the City of El Segundo is taking action to bring back The Plunge better than ever before. With a goal to raise $5 million dollars through donations, grants, and sponsorships, the city has already allocated approx. $9 million towards the total $14 million renovation project. This investment shows just how important this landmark is to the community.

El Segundo is pushing to reopen its more than 80-year-old public pool next year.

The city is fundraising to pay for a $14 million renovation of the Urho Saari Swim Stadium–affectionately called The Plunge–for which construction is planned to start this summer, according to a Tuesday announcement from El Segundo.

The Plunge is anticipated to reopen in late 2025.

The City of El Segundo, in collaboration with South Bay Sports, Health & Recreation, a not-for-profit corporation committed to enhancing sports and recreation facilities for the community's health, is seeking funds for the renovation and revitalization of the iconic Urho Saari Swim Stadium, affectionately known as “The Plunge.”

We are excited to announce the redesign and relaunch of the South Bay Sports, Health & Recreation (SBSH&R) website, now live at https://sbshr.org/. This revamped online platform aims to better serve the community of El Segundo and the broader South Bay region by providing a comprehensive and user-friendly resource for sports, health, and recreation enthusiasts.

Urho Saari left an indelible mark on the world of water sports, both as a competitive swimmer and a dedicated coach. Born in 1908, Saari initially made a name for himself as a talented swimmer. However, it was his work as a coach that truly cemented his legacy. He became one of the most respected water polo and swimming coaches in the United States, contributing immensely to the development of young athletes and the broader world of aquatic sports.