The Plunge
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The Plunge or Richmond Municipal Natatorium is a historic swim center in Richmond California which has been closed since August 2001 since it is seismically unsound. Originally slated for demolition which was protested by the residents who have started a grassroots campaign to raise enough money to complete seismic upgrades so that the plunge, in reference to jumping in the water can reopen its doors in the Point Richmond neighborhood. It is one of a handful of ground remaining in the country. [1]
The masonry building had already been in sad shape before the onset of the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake which further damaged the building. City voters rejected a bond meaure to reinforce it in 1997. However people were allowed to go swimming even though it was unsafe until August 2001, though they had to pass, "Swim at your own risk" signs.[2]
The Plunge is located in the Point Richmond Historical District which is on the registar of National Historic Places, something that has complicated design issues since it requires meticulious surveying and proof of not destroying the sites historic value; this process is however nearly complete.
The Plunge was created by a bond issue in 1926. [3]
In the meantime residents may swim at the brand new swimming center at Kennedy High School.
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