Santa Ana City Council members recently participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new aquatic center at Memorial Park. The event took place weeks before the upcoming November 3 election, with City Council members publicizing photos alongside local children enjoying the new public pool.
The over $29 million facility includes a 25-meter competition pool with spectator seating, a recreational pool with a water slide, an all-electric building powered by solar panels, locker rooms, a community room, and pool deck seating. Elected officials in 2023 began soliciting proposals for the new aquatic facility, nearly 70 years after the original pool and community center were built. By the Fall of 2024, the city awarded a construction contract for the center.
Despite the recent ceremony, city officials have not specified when the pools will officially open for general public use. Councilman David Penaloza, representing the ward where the park is located, stated he hoped for open swim in November. Councilman Johnathan Hernandez publicly questioned City Manager Alvaro Nuñez regarding the public opening, noting, "I’ve never seen us have an unveiling where it’s actually not available to the public." Carlos Rogel, CEO of MuralColors, the organization hired for the mural preservation, indicated that significant construction elements were not yet completed, suggesting the park was not fully functional and some areas might not be open to the public.
The project also includes the restoration of a historic Chicano mural created by Emigdio Vasquez in 1987. MuralColors had completed the first phase of restoration, which involved shaving the mural and creating a foundation. However, the second phase, comprising painting and preservation, was delayed. An agreement for Phase Two was signed by City Manager Nuñez on October 12, days before the aquatic center's ribbon cutting ceremony, despite the work initially being slated for completion by October 10. Rosemary Vasquez Tuthill, daughter of the mural's creator, expressed being "very disappointed" by the delay in the mural's unveiling. Councilman Penaloza stated he did not believe the mural was intended to be unveiled concurrently with the pool, and that artists had not yet finished the restoration. Rogel, however, noted there was sufficient planning to complete Phase Two before the ribbon cutting, but officials did not authorize them to proceed. Councilman Ben Vazquez commented that city staff are now suggesting the mural "deserves its own day."
The timing of the ribbon cutting ceremony, so close to the election, has prompted concerns from some elected leaders and local artists regarding potential political motivations. Councilman Hernandez publicly stated his concern that the unveiling was "prematurely pushed by individuals running for re-election or assembly." Councilman Vazquez similarly noted it seemed city staff wanted to open the pool before the elections. Rogel stated it became apparent the ceremony date was being politicized after discussions with community organizers and city staff. Councilman Phil Bacerra acknowledged at a meeting that "Because it is campaign season, it was inconvenient that it was open during this time." City Manager Nuñez, however, denied that any elected official directed him to ensure the ribbon cutting occurred in October. He explained the city had aimed to open the pool in May ahead of the summer, but encountered construction delays. Councilman Penaloza echoed these delays and mentioned that the October 17th date for the ceremony was decided months prior, following communications with Governor Gavin Newsom’s office since May or June to secure a firm date for a dedication. Mayor Valerie Amezcua commented that city executives instructed officials to reserve all their Saturdays for ribbon cutting ceremonies. Councilman Penaloza maintained the facility took two years to build and was not rushed.
Alicia Rojas, a Memorial Park resident and founder of Santa Ana Community Artist(a) Coalition, which advocated for the mural's preservation, expressed concern that a separate ceremony for the mural could increase costs for taxpayers in a city reportedly facing a structural deficit. Rojas also suggested officials had not been transparent with artists. Two years prior, artists like Rojas raised concerns about city officials potentially destroying the mural, leading to an announcement of preservation efforts following a 2024 article. Responding to Rojas's concerns, Councilman Penaloza stated, "It's political season," while Rojas pushed back, asserting the issue was about Emigdio Vasquez and her neighborhood rather than herself. Public Works had indicated the earliest completion date for the facility was October of 2026, according to Councilman Penaloza.
