History

In 1999, leaders from the La Jolla community shared a dream to create an aquatic center that would serve both La Jolla High School students and the wider community. 

This group worked over several years to secure both the site and the funds to realize the project. Early in the process, Bonnie Coggan quietly stepped forward with a leadership gift that put the dream within reach. By May 2000, the non-profit La Jolla High School Facilities Expansion Foundation, Inc. was established with Jack McGrory as president. Many more joined this effort, including Sue Kalish, Andy Nelson, Sandy Coggan Erickson and the dedicated Project S.P.L.A.S.H. committee. 

In 2001, the City of San Diego and the school district agreed to a land swap and a realignment of Fay Avenue was completed in order to secure space for the new center. The school district also agreed to lease a portion of the LJHS campus for forty years to the foundation and allow the foundation to build, own and operate an aquatic complex on it. 

The Coggan Family Aquatic Complex was dedicated on September 15, 2002 and the foundation officially changed its name to the La Jolla Aquatic Complex Foundation. Over the past two decades, the Coggan has come to stand for excellence: a place where children learn to swim safely, youth grow into champions, and adults stay strong and active. Since its inception, the Coggan pool has served thousands of families and inspired a lifelong love of swimming—a passion that is now being passed down to a new generation.

The foundation continues to steward this extraordinary community asset and the Board of Directors is responsible for its overall operation and maintenance.