A ribbon cutting ceremony and community swim day helped celebrate the first phase of renovations to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Swimming Pool in South Encanto, with Councilmember Henry L. Foster III, Parks and Recreation Department leaders and other community partners in attendance. The pool reopened to the public on Tuesday, June 2, after being closed for upgrades since November 2024.   

Before its closure, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pool was one of the busier pools across the City’s 16 aquatics facilities. The pool is adjacent to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Recreation Center and once again will provide a space for community members to cool off, exercise, learn to swim, participate in fun activities and more. 

“The reopening of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pool is a big win for Southeastern San Diego and it's right on time for our families this summer,” said Councilmember Henry L. Foster III. “This pool has served our community for generations, and these improvements ensure it can continue serving our kids, seniors and families for years to come. I am grateful to everyone who helped get this long-awaited project across the finish line.” 

Facility upgrades include pool deck resurfacing, flooring and window replacements and a new ADA lift has been ordered to improve swimmer accessibility. The City’s General Services Department also installed a new roof and HVAC system, new doors and paint, interior and exterior lighting, plumbing features and new restroom lockers. 

These upgrades mark the first major renovations to the facility since it opened in 1969. Additional upgrades are planned for the coming months, including new fencing, signage and pool equipment, but the pool can remain open while that work is completed.    

“The re-opening of the Dr. Martin Martin Luther King Jr. Pool has been a long time coming and we are pleased to welcome the community back,” said Andy Field, Director, Parks and Recreation Department. “This renovation is an opportunity for us to share some of the great work our City team is capable of. Many City employees from across numerous departments worked on this project and we greatly appreciate their efforts.” 

Major funding for the project came from a $2 million State of California grant spearhead by Sen. Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson. Additional funding supporting pool programming includes a $410,000 HUD grant for aquatic and recreation programming secured by Rep. Sara Jacobs, $40,000 from the CEK Foundation for recreation and swimming lesson programming this summer, $20,000 from the Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego for swimming lessons, and $20,000 from the American Red Cross.  

In honor of the reopening of the facility, the CEK Foundation has sponsored Free Pool Days at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pool this summer. Free admission passes are available at the pool for all ages to enjoy on Tuesdays-Saturday throughout June, and Fridays and Saturdays in July and August.   

Additional information about the City’s aquatic facilities and programs, including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pool, visit the Pools webpage.