For the purpose of transparency and good governance, the City Council, on May 5, 2025, authorized the city-appointed prosecutor to conduct an independent investigation into the Aquatic Center project. Updates on the investigation will be provided on this webpage as they become available.

“Your City, Your Right to Know”

Huntington Park Aquatic Center: Timeline and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Preguntas y Respuestas Sobre el Centro Aquatico (Presione esta liga)

Timeline

2019–2020: Initial Contracting

• Aug 6, 2019: City awards design-build contract to JT Construction for $24.5M, and Project, Construction, and Inspection Management to Infrastructure Engineers (IE).
• Aug 15, 2019: Contracts finalized.

2020 - 2021: Re-bid Process

• Dec 1, 2020: Construction Industry Force Account Council (CIFAC) files a lawsuit challenging the award process.
• Dec 1, 2020: City initiates a new competitive bidding process.
• Jan–July 2021: New Request for Qualifications (RFQ)/Request for Proposals (RFP) process initiated; multiple firms invited.
•  Aug 17, 2021: City awards design-build contract to JT Construction for $23.9M.

2022–2024: Environmental Hurdles

• 2022–2024: Ongoing environmental challenges due to site’s location on a former landfill.
• Cease & Desist Order: Issued by Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) prohibiting further construction until regulatory approvals secured.
• Repeated Submissions: City works with consultants to meet post-closure land use requirements.

2023–2025: Financial Oversight & Accountability

• Mid–Late 2023: Payments made to JT Construction totaling approximately $9.2M.
• Sept–Oct 2024: City Manager halts all payments due to growing financial and operational concerns.
• Nov 2024: City Manager directs JT Construction to turn over construction site to the City.
• Jan 16, 2025: City issues Cease and Desist to JT Construction demanding that it vacate the construction site, turn over all construction materials to the City no later than February 15, 2025.  City prohibits JT Construction from performing further work and incurring additional costs.
• Feb 15, 2025: JT Construction fails to vacate site and return materials.
• Feb 26, 2025: Los Angeles District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation executes search warrants at several locations. The investigation, (Case name: Efren Martinez, P20-0267) focuses on the potential misuse of millions of dollars in public funds allocated for the construction of the aquatic center at Salt Lake Park. 
• May 6, 2025: City Council appoints City Prosecutor’s Office to launch an independent audit of the project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why was the project halted?

A: The project was halted due to concerns about financial and operational mismanagement, and environmental restrictions related to the site’s history as a landfill. Oversight changes and formal investigations are now underway.

Q2: How much money has been spent on the project?

A: Approximately $9.24 million was paid to JT Construction, with over $6.4 million currently unaccounted for in terms of clear deliverables. A financial audit is underway to determine the validity and value of those payments.

Q3: What legal action has the City taken?

A: The City has issued a formal Cease and Desist order to JT Construction, instructed the return of all City-purchased materials and equipment, and referred the matter to the City Prosecutor for further investigation.

Q4: What are the environmental issues?

A: The site sits on a former landfill regulated by CalRecycle and the LEA. A Cease-and-Desist Order from the Local Enforcement Agency remains in effect, and extensive testing and remediation plans have been required. Until environmental clearance is granted, construction cannot proceed.

Q5: What is the current plan for the site?

A: The City is now pursuing a new vision for reimagining Salt Lake Park, which may include a revised aquatic or recreation component. A new architectural firm has been engaged, and the design phase is underway, fully independent of the previous project structure.

Q6: Will the City recover the lost funds?

A: That is the City’s goal. The matter has been referred to legal counsel, and all necessary steps are being taken to hold responsible parties accountable and pursue recovery of public funds.