To: Board of Supervisors
From: John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Report Title: Recognize 100th anniversary of thePlunge.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Resolution to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Richmond Municipal Natorium.
FISCAL IMPACT:
none
BACKGROUND:
See resolution
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
none
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
body
IN THE MATTER OF
Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Richmond Municipal Natatorium
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS, the Richmond Municipal Natatorium, affectionately known as the Richmond Plunge, was built in 1926 after a freshwater well was discovered on land generously donated to the City of Richmond, and quickly became a regional treasure admired for its soaring truss ceiling, observation decks, Greco-Roman columns, and natural light reminiscent of the iconic Sutro Baths; and
WHEREAS, for a century, the Plunge has served generations of residents as one of the Bay Area’s oldest indoor swimming facilities, weathering decades of natural decay, the damage of the Loma Prieta earthquake, and a nine-year closure, yet continuing to endure because community members refused to let this beloved landmark disappear; and
WHEREAS, following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the Plunge entered a period of severe structural crisis: in 1990, emergency timber bracing was fastened to its interior and exterior to keep the failing masonry walls upright; by 1997, inspectors found 10-foot cracks and protruding rebar, and voters rejected a bond measure that would have funded major repairs, yet local residents again rallied, forming the Save the Richmond Plunge Trust, raising funds, producing a documentary, and launching a grassroots movement that saved the Plunge; and
WHEREAS, the dedicated activism of Richmond residents and supporters led to an ambitious and environmentally innovative restoration that preserved the building’s historic architectural character while adding features such as solar energy generation and modern water quality systems; and
WHEREAS, the Plunge has long stood as a hub of community life, welcoming seniors, youth, families, daily lap swimmers, local swim teams, and visitors, fostering recreation, public health, connection, and civic pride across generations; and
WHEREAS, on August 15, 2026, the City of Richmond and Contra Costa County join together to commemorate 100 years of history, resilience, architectural beauty, and community spirit embodied in the Richmond Plunge.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
endthat Contra Costa County proudly honors the Richmond Municipal Natatorium on its centennial anniversary and celebrates the community that safeguarded, restored, and continues to uplift this iconic landmark.