Marina’s planned $42 million aquatic and recreation center targets spring 2029

MARINA, Monterey County — October 26, 2026. Marina is planning a $42 million Aquatic & Recreation Center on former Fort Ord property near Second Avenue and Ninth Street, with an estimated completion in spring 2029. The city labels the project as being in pre-construction — an important distinction for residents who may have seen concept images of a fully operating facility.

What the proposed center would include

According to the city’s public project information, the proposed recreation complex would have an indoor swimming pool, exercise and fitness space, gymnasium, sports courts, indoor track, group fitness rooms, a connector building and areas for a cafe and lounge. The city envisions a centrally located facility in existing former military structures, combining athletic and community programming.

Funding, contractor and timeline

Marina says Otto Construction received a Construction Manager at Risk contract and began pre-construction work. The city’s published budget is approximately $42 million. Listed funding sources include development impact fees, former Fort Ord reuse-related federal funding and the municipal General Fund. The estimate is not a verified final contract total or a guarantee that the center will open by the projected date.

Large public construction projects can encounter changes in design, costs, regulatory approvals and schedules. Residents should watch project updates, official council agendas and procurement records for new commitments rather than interpreting the city’s planning milestones as completion.

Connections to planned parks

Marina also describes links to its future City Park at the Dunes and an all-inclusive playground project. Those improvements are distinct capital projects with separate scopes and timelines. Understanding the larger public-space network may help residents evaluate how recreation facilities will connect to housing and future growth in the former Fort Ord area.

What residents can ask next

Useful public questions include the revised total project cost as contracts progress; which amenities will open first; whether the facility’s activities will be accessible to different age groups and users with disabilities; anticipated membership or drop-in prices; and how the city intends to fund annual operation and maintenance. These questions are not yet answered by the headline project cost alone.

Follow the city’s primary documents and Marina News for future updates.

Source

City of Marina — Aquatic and Recreation Center project status, budget, funding and timeline

Project status as posted by the City of Marina and reviewed October 26, 2026. Plans and schedules are subject to change.

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