Los Baños del Mar Pool
Opened April
1939
The present Los Baños del Mar Pool represents the third public
facility to be situated in the Plaza del Mar area. In November
1899, the bathhouse site property was deeded to the Santa Barbara
County Chamber of Commerce through the probate of the
Thomas B. Dibble estate. Among the conditions of the dedication
was that the parcel forever remain a bathhouse site and
bathing resort for the public. In October 1937, after two preceeding
public bathhouse at the site were destroyed by fire and
earthquake, respectively, the design and construction of a new
swimming pool began, funded by a Public Works
Administration grant.
This facility is one of two remaining California coastal area
"plunges." Of the approximately 20 public swimming pools that
were built in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries,
only Santa Barbara's Los Baños del Mar Pool retains the
original character and function of these historic structures.
In April 1992, Los Baños del Mar Pool was designated a
City Landmark by the City Council. The facility was officially
listed on the National Register of Historic Places in December
1992. Today, it remains open for everyone for everyone to enjoy.
This plaque was donated by the Native Sons of the Golden West,
Santa Barbara Parlor #116 and by Friends of the Los Baños del Mar Pool.
June 1997
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