Plunge debuts new floating obstacle course in Belmont Park

What could be more fun than a floating obstacle course for kids of all ages? A new and improved obstacle course at Plunge San Diego in Belmont Park.

Operators of the historic Plunge pool opened its latest aquatic attraction to the public on March 1. The new course, designed exclusively for Plunge in collaboration with Union Aquaparks, provides increased space to play, inclusivity for more ages, and increased safety.

Spencer Meinburg, the general manager at Plunge San Diego, divulged the reason for the redesigned obstacle course. “We’re appealing to children and families,” he said, pointing out that Plunge held some 1,300 kid’s birthday parties last year for its approximately 4,000 members.

“When we reopened our facility after COVID, we realized our huge pool had nothing fun to do for kids that were here, other than some inflatable toys that we had that didn’t amuse them for more than an hour. That’s where the obstacle course came in.”

Meinburg described one stretch of the new obstacle course called risky business. “It’s an up and down wave that guests will run up and over with a couple of little hills, then they come around and go through a tunnel and a wiggle track before more running while floating on the water: They (kids) love it,” he said.

“We’re excited to see this exclusive inflatable obstacle course come to life,” agreed Steve Thomas of Belmont Park. “We believe that this course will be a game changer for Plunge San Diego as we are always looking for innovative ways to create a more inclusive experience for all of our guests. We can’t wait to see visitors take on the challenge and have a blast with their friends and family.”

The new course will feature a variety of challenging obstacles, inflatable tunnels, and hurdles that will test the balance and coordination of guests of all ages. The official obstacle course’s name will be announced, once the community votes on the winning name.

For the comfort of its members and guests, Meinburg said the water temperature of the pool is kept between 82 and 84 degrees year-round. And because its roof is retractable, the general manager noted the pool is “open to all weather conditions.”

Meinburg added the Plunge is historical in more ways than one. “It is a historic landmark in the City,” he said. “Some scenes from the movie ‘Top Gun’ were filmed here, as well as ads for Nike and Speedo. We’ve also had Olympic gold medalists train here.”

Meinberg added the pool accommodates 1,000 to 2,000 guests per day, adding the new obstacle course “adds space for people to recreate and play together as a family.” The obstacle course is open to those ages 5 through 60. “There will be a toddler time early in the morning for kids ages 3 to 6 before it gets too busy,” he said, noting the Plunge is now divided between the obstacle course and seven, 25-yard swim lanes where swim lessons and other aquatic programs are offered.

“We’re here to enhance the fun and serve the San Diego community,” concluded Meinburg. “This new obstacle course just allows us to better serve those people who come through our doors, and to attract new customers as well.”

Plunge San Diego is open daily from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Swim passes are available to the general public and can also be purchased on-site. For more information, visit plungesandiego.com.

THE PLUNGE

The nearly century-old Belmont Park on Ocean Front at Surfrider Square is renowned for its iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster, which turns 98 this year, and the historic and recently rebuilt indoor pool, The Plunge, inside of Fit Mission Beach.

Originally built in 1925, the historic Plunge Pool was, at the time, the largest saltwater pool in the world, holding 355,000 gallons of water. The pool was designed after the Spanish Renaissance-style buildings in Balboa Park, built in 1915 and 1916. The pool was converted to fresh water in 1940, becoming the largest heated pool in Southern California.

In 2019, Plunge San Diego reopened after undergoing a $12 million renovation, transforming it into a new and modernized experience that included the addition of the original obstacle course. Today, Plunge San Diego is one of the largest pools in Southern California, with aesthetics that reflect floor-to-ceiling windows and a retractable roof, allowing swimmers to enjoy the warm San Diego weather year-round. The pool is 10,500 square feet, 175 feet long, and 60 feet wide with views looking out to Mission Beach.

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