The Bay Citizen | Local Intelligence

The Plunge

Adithya Sambamurthy/The Bay Citizen
The 60-by-160-foot heated pool is open seven days a week for swimming, aquatic fitness programs and water sports.

By EVAN WAGSTAFF

Published: July 9, 2011

A point of pride in Point Richmond, the Plunge’s big indoor pool has brought joy to residents for three-quarters of a century. After being closed for nine years, it reopened as a state-of-the-art facility in August 2010. EVAN WAGSTAFF

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Adithya Sambamurthy/The Bay Citizen

Any swimming pool can be called a natatorium, but the word is typically used to describe a building that houses a pool, often with attached locker rooms and showers.
Retro Style
The landmark 1926 building on the corner of Richmond Avenue and Dornan Drive features a sign that reads “Municipal Natatorium” (the Plunge’s official name) in marquee style evocative of an old cinema. The Plunge features a 60-by-160-foot heated pool, a tiled outer fountain, an observation deck, and an open truss ceiling to let light and air into the space.
Taking the Plunge
Several other Plunges dotted the state at the beginning of the century. The Santa Cruz Plunge was opened in 1907, the San Diego Plunge made its debut in 1925, and the Hayward Plunge was built in 1936.
Nata-What?
Any swimming pool can be called a natatorium, but the word is typically used to describe a building that houses a pool, often with attached locker rooms and showers.
Everyone In!
Richmond’s population was 20,000 when the Plunge was built but it increased tenfold with the influx of workers to the Kaiser shipyards during the war. Tensions flared in the newly racially diverse city, but the Plunge was known as a place where all residents could enjoy swimming together.
Sink or Swim
As Richmond faced increasing economic hardship, the Plunge struggled to stay afloat and suffered from years of deferred maintenance. “Swim at your own risk” signs were posted in 1997. The center shut down in 2001.
Coming Up for Air
Richmond community groups joined with the city to restore the facility. A combination of volunteer service, bond allocations, state endowments for historical preservation, and city support helped finance the $8 million renovation.
Making Waves
The Plunge is open seven days a week for swimming, aquatic fitness programs and water sports like kayaking. Admission for open swimming sessions is $6, with discounts for children and city residents.
Sun Kissed
The new pool is heated by solar panels; the water is sanitized with ultraviolet disinfectant and saline chlorination systems, which minimize the smell and burn associated with community pools. The water’s salinity level matches that of teardrops. Todd Jersey, the architect, said the Plunge is one of the most environmentally friendly pools in the country.
ewagstaff@baycitizen.org