The Need for a Community Aquatics Complex
The Need for a Community Aquatics Complex
Designed to close the gap in SYV for access to aquatics— competition, health, and recreation.
Residents of the Santa Ynez and Los Alamos Valleys have never had access to a year-round public pool, and the 60-year-old Santa Ynez High School pool no longer meets competition standards or functional needs.
Designed to close the gap in SYV for access to aquatics—
competition, health, and recreation.
Residents of the Santa Ynez and Los Alamos Valleys have never had access to a year-round public pool, and the 60-year-old Santa Ynez High School pool no longer meets competition standards or functional needs.
The public pool community deficit means we continue to have no place where children can gain essential life-saving water safety skills instruction, youth and families can come together for health and recreation, and seniors can stay active and engaged.
Did you know Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 in the usa?
In the same spirit of the community volunteers who built the original high school pool decades ago, the SYV Community Aquatics Foundation aims to change this situation by building a two-pool aquatics complex on the Santa Ynez High School campus, finally providing vital public aquatics access for all Valley residents.
Winning Program
Without a Home Pool
“It's proven that when you have top-notch facilities for kids to practice and participate in, you see a greater success.” - SYVUHS Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Sheehan
Despite qualifying for CIF postseason play nearly every year for the past two decades, Santa Ynez High School has never once been able to host a home playoff game, simply because our existing pool does not meet regulation depth.
The future community aquatics complex will be a sustainable, accessible facility built to serve the community’s long-term needs.
PROMOTE HEALTH & WELLNESS
Programs will promote fitness, rehabilitation, and mental well-being. Buellton Rec will coordinate community programming in conjunction with the Programming Advisory Committee made up of our community partnership organizations.
CIF-SANCTIONED POOL
The Competition Pool will be designed for CIF-sanctioned swim meets, water polo tournaments, and other competitive events.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION
By partnering with local schools and youth organizations such as SYV Youth Recreation, Buellton Rec, Solvang Parks & Rec, and the Stuart C. Gildred YMCA, programs will focus on teaching essential water safety skills, promoting physical activity and fostering community.
OFFER ACCESSIBILITY
The complex will be fully accessible, meeting all ADA requirements to ensure that people of all abilities, including those with physical or mobility challenges, can use the complex.
WORLD-RENOWNED TECHNOLOGY
Myrtha Pools is known worldwide for its durability, water quality, and sustainability. Both pools will use Myrtha’s innovative steel structure and pumping system, which lowers maintenance costs while ensuring a high-quality experience for athletes and the public.
VITAL COMMUNITY RESOURCE
The pools will support nonprofits, recreation groups, senior facilities, and wellness clinics in offering inclusive aquatic programs for all ages and abilities.
milestones in the journey toward a community aquatics complex
2017 to 2019 – MYRTHA POOL ARRIVES
Olympic Trials Myrtha pool purchased; First Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the District, City of Buellton and the Foundation is unanimously approved by all three entities for a Prop. 68 State grant
2022 to 2024 PADDLING FORWARD
SYVCAF and District approve second MOU; stakeholder meeting recommends retaining fundraising counsel. Fundraising resumes to meet $13.7 million construction goal by December 2026.
2014 diving in!
Santa Ynez Valley Community Aquatics Foundation (SYVCAF) established to promote community aquatics activities in the Santa Ynez Valley.
2020- 2022 TREADING WATER
Proposition 68 grant is unsuccessful and therefore nullifies the MOU, but the 3-way organizing framework has been created. Pandemic hits. Fundraising is paused.
programming partnerships
Interested in learning more?
We’re committed to keeping our community and stakeholders informed every step of the way. Visit our FAQ page to explore details about the Aquatics Complex, or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on progress, milestones, and ways to get involved.