Todd Jersey was the principal architect and motivator in the rehabilitation of the Richmond, CA Natatorium (the Plunge)
BRIEF HISTORY:
The Richmond Natatorium was built in 1926 as a large enclosed swimming facility. The pool, which was owned and operated by the City of Richmond, was very popular over the decades. Unfortunately, sometime past mid-20th century, deferred maintenance and budget cuts began to take their toll on the building and the pool equipment. By the mid- 1990's many people in the Richmond area realized that the Plunge was in serious trouble and formed a group called "Save The Plunge". For years countless fund raisers and appeals for donations were held. Many sessions with the city council to do something were unsuccessful due to limited funds at their disposal. Finally, the pool was closed in 2004.
TODD JERSEY:
in 2005 after viewing a documentary on the Richmond Natatorium - it's history and predicament on public television, Todd called the City of Richmond and offered his services. The City referred him to our group, now called "Save the Richmond Plunge Trust (STRPT). By this time the city and STRPT had entered into a Public'Private Partnership. We were so impressed by Todd's take-charge attitude that we hired him. Of course, our group did not have anywhere near the money to fund the actual rehabilitation of the Plunge. Todd's plans not only greatly improved the functionality of the facility, they also preserved its historical designation. The City Manager was so impressed that he was able to convince the mayor and city council to find the money for the job, which they did. Reconstruction started in 2008.
Todd's creativity was not limited to design and implementation. As the project progressed Mr. Jersey was able to convince a substantial number of contractors to reduce their bids. The amount of these discounts were used as the major matching funds for a $500,000 grant form a local foundation. We got that grant and these generous contractors have been identified on one of the Recognition Panels in the Lobby.
The reconstruction was not limited to the building and the pool. The front lawns, which were destroyed because of the construction activities, were replaced by native drought resistant plants on berms and watered from a fountain. The frontage is quite beautiful.
Finally in 2010 the Natatorium reopened. It was a huge success the Plunge was never as beautiful. The sides of the pool deck were enlarged by moving the dressing rooms to the front of the building, allowing more light to come in at that level as well as giving additional deck space. The monitor (a roof on top of the roof) was added for better ventilation. LED lights replaced the old flood lights. Solar panels for electricity and water heating panels were installed on the roof and a huge beautiful mural was painted on the South wall. The list of improvements goes on and on - largely thanks to Todd Jersey's innovation, perseverance, skill and tenacity.
Needless to say, the public was and still is delighted and thankful that the Plunge is back in business. The usage is quite high - no problems here.
My wife Elinor was the Executive Director of the STRPT and I was the Treasurer.
We both heartily recommend Todd Jersey.
Robert Strauss read more