Ridgecrest Pool Construction Update: Fire Sprinklers and Locker-Room Plumbing Take Shape at Sgt. John Pinney Aquatics Center

RIDGECREST, Kern County — October 22, 2026. Construction continues at the Sgt. John Pinney Aquatics Center, as the City of Ridgecrest shared a new look at building work and the overall project site on its official Facebook page.

The city’s latest update highlights three visible areas of progress: installation of fire sprinklers in the Community Building, plumbing work for the locker rooms, and aerial drone views showing the scale of the construction site. The city describes the project as continuing to take shape, with further updates expected as crews advance.

What the latest construction photos show

The municipal images show the exposed ceiling framing and fire-protection piping inside a block-walled section of the community facility. A second interior view shows newly framed walls and plumbing connections associated with the changing and locker-room areas. A third, elevated image offers a wider view of the grounds, where multiple pool structures and work areas are taking form.

These photographs document construction progress, but they do not confirm that the pool, buildings or utilities have passed final inspections, that the facilities are ready to admit swimmers, or that an opening date has been set.

From demolition to a new aquatic center

The replacement effort has a long history. According to the City of Ridgecrest’s official project timeline, the original community pool closed in 2016. The city hosted community design discussions in 2023 and held a demolition kickoff in September 2024. The formal construction bid process moved ahead in 2025.

Earlier 2026 updates tracked foundation work, grading, underground infrastructure, pool plumbing, masonry and structural framing. By July 20, the city was reporting completion of masonry and installation of columns for the Community Building, along with rough plumbing at the competition pool. The new sprinkler and locker-room work shown in the more recent social-media update represents another stage in developing the surrounding facilities, rather than just the pool basins themselves.

Why the project matters locally

Residents of Ridgecrest and surrounding Inyokern and Searles Valley communities have a particular interest in accessible recreation during the region’s hot desert months. A municipal aquatics center could eventually expand local opportunities for swimming instruction, recreation and community programs, depending on the final facilities, staffing and operating schedule.

The project also carries the name of Sgt. John Pinney, whose original memorial pool was built with community support. The city recounts Pinney’s involvement in keeping an earlier community swimming pool operating before his military service and death in Vietnam. The new center continues that local memorial tradition.

When will the pool open?

No confirmed public opening date is established by this update. Construction photos and descriptions do not by themselves verify a completion date, admission prices, swim lessons, facility capacity or hours. Residents should check the city’s official aquatics project updates and Parks & Recreation announcements for scheduling information.

Follow the city’s own construction updates

The city published the latest progress photos through its official City of Ridgecrest Facebook page, including close-up views of the construction work and an aerial image. The individual post’s permanent link was not independently available at publication, so readers are directed to the city-managed page instead of a copied or re-hosted image. The municipal project timeline provides additional historical photos and milestones.

What would you like to know about the new center? Residents can send questions about construction progress, swimming programs, accessibility or anticipated fees to Ridgecrest News for future coverage.

Sources: City of Ridgecrest official Facebook construction update provided to the newsroom October 22, 2026; City of Ridgecrest Sgt. John Pinney Aquatics Center project timeline, reviewed October 22, 2026. Photos remain with the city publisher. This article is independent coverage, not a City of Ridgecrest press release.

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