The Centenary of Richmond’s Historic Natatorium: A Community Celebration

In 1926, six young women posed in modest swimwear for a photo capturing the anticipation of a new municipal indoor pool in Richmond. Titled “Where Mermaids Will Sport,” this image featured in the San Francisco Chronicle, marked a significant event for the growing town.

The Richmond Municipal Natatorium, later known as the Plunge, was a marvel of its time. Opening with a grand ceremony including a parade, marching band, and speeches, it emphasized the town’s spirit. The Mayor of Richmond, W.W. Scott, praised the project as a tribute to the community’s progress, funded by bonds exceeding $100,000 (or over $1.8 million today).

A natatorium full of air, cement buckets, and sawhorses is no pleasure to the eye. But when a little knitwear and a lot of beauty are mixed in, the results serve to let Richmond and the rest of the world know that a pool is about to be opened.

Initially, the pool featured a unique blend of salt and fresh water, inspired by San Francisco’s Sutro Baths. However, due to corrosion, it has transitioned to a salt-chlorine mix over time.

The Early Era and Evolution of Indoor Pools

A century ago, indoor pools were novel in California, with few exceptions like the Roman Pool at Hearst Castle and a pool at the White House for President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Richmond’s Plunge, massive and fueled by local water, stood out for its size and design.

A Rich Legacy

Over time, the pool witnessed wear and tear, worsened by the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. By the late 1990s, plans to demolish it emerged, igniting community protests. The Richmond Friends of Recreation led a successful effort to save the pool, resulting in a reopening in 2010 after extensive renovations costing over $7 million.

Centennial Celebrations

On August 15th, Richmond will celebrate the Plunge’s 100-year legacy with dedication events, speeches, and lifeguard demonstrations. Entry will be affordable at $1 per family, honoring its community roots.

The Plunge represents a piece of Richmond’s identity, reflecting the city’s evolution and resilience. Residents cherish its history, with generations learning to swim there, a sentiment aquatic supervisor Robby Roller often encounters.

Today’s Highlights

In recent news, a significant measles uptick in California leads headlines, with 52 cases within the first 6.5 months of the year, primarily among unvaccinated individuals. Meanwhile, Sony and Alamo Drafthouse plan to reopen the iconic Cinerama Dome, and UC is reviewing its admission requirements as debates around standardized tests continue.

Other updates include climate change impacts on California’s wine regions, a fugitive hiding in plain sight in Los Angeles, and copper wire theft affecting Pasadena businesses. Additionally, changes in student loan rules could affect college programs with low-income job placements post-graduation.