On the drawing board since 1974, Pool becomes community priority!
WALNUT CREEK, CALIF., August 15, 2012 - Northgate High School announced plans to build a $7.5 million Aquatic Center that is on schedule to be completed in the summer of 2014. The center will include a state-of-the-art, 40-meter pool with stadium seating, outdoor lighting and a dedicated sports medicine classroom.

The majority of the funding for the pool, $6.7 million, has been provided through Measure C funds and the remainder will be raised from the community through the Northgate Community Pride Foundation (NCPF). Construction is on a fast track to begin next spring.

"This is a project that was in the original plans for the school, and we're very excited to finally be able to make this dream a reality," said Ralph Austin, president of the NCPF. "This project will be a first-class facility that will enhance our community and all of our Northgate aquatic programs. The measure C funds are a huge boost for our community and to finish the funding off we only need to raise about $750,000 more to make the dream a reality."

According to Austin, the funds are in place right now to build the infrastructure of the pool, but more funds s are needed to complete all the elements of the center.

From 1974 until now, the High school teams have had to travel to find pools to train and compete in. The teams would have to train at off hours and often times wouldn't get home until 10:00 p.m., which served as a deterrent for many to participate in the programs. The new facility will serve a broad student population and be one of the finest swimming centers in Contra Costa.

NGPF continues to help raise money to fund projects on the campus, thereby lifting a heavy burden off the cash-strapped school district. Other projects include conversion of the auto shop into a new engineering facility, construction of new classrooms, renovation of bathrooms and the recent restoration of the girls' locker room. According to NCPF, the goal is to continue to fundraise for specific projects within the community where there is passion for that project. Obviously this community is passionate about swimming as a perfect example.