Irvine Expands William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center

The city has launched a $42 million project to add new pools and facilities at the historic aquatics complex.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Swimming

Irvine Expands William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center

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Irvine is moving forward with a $42 million expansion of the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center, adding a fourth pool and new amenities to the site. The project aims to increase capacity for the citys popular swimming programs while maintaining operations during construction.

Why it matters

The upgrade is designed to eliminate waitlists for drowning prevention initiatives and expand swim lesson opportunities for the more than 10,000 children currently served annually. Enhanced facilities will also allow the venue to host international teams for pre-Olympic staging camps.

The expansion includes a new 50-meter pool, bringing the total to three, alongside a NinjaCross obstacle course and a splash pad. The project is funded through usage fees to cover the $42 million cost without disrupting current operations.

The players

William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center

This Irvine-based venue serves as a major hub for national-level swimming competitions and local community learn-to-swim programming.

The details

New construction at the center features a training and locker room building, a pool equipment building, and covered bleachers. The upgrades will support the facilitys role as a host for major competitions like the US National Championships and the Pan Pacific Championships.

The expansion project was first proposed in 2023.
The William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center will host the US National, Junior National, and Pan Pacific Championships in 2026.
Project completion is scheduled for spring 2028.
The Los Angeles Olympic Games are slated for summer 2028.

Season Trajectory

This project aligns local infrastructure development with the international influx of talent expected for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. By hardening its status as a premier training destination, Irvine secures a competitive advantage for hosting global athletes and regional championship events.

Local families should expect expanded registration slots for the citys Learn to Swim program once the fourth pool opens in 2028. Continued operation of existing pools means that competitive training schedules and public lap swimming access remain available throughout the construction window.

The takeaway

The investment focuses on balancing elite competitive hosting capabilities with essential community drowning prevention programs. Residents can anticipate modernized training amenities that cater to both Olympic-caliber athletes and children learning to swim.