Estancia High School faced a significant challenge as the only high school in the district without an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The existing L-shaped pool, measuring 25 yards by 27 yards, was insufficient to support the school’s rapidly growing and successful aquatic programs. Recognizing the need for equity among the district's high schools, the school board approved a $7 million pool replacement project in 2016. The vision was to create a new outdoor eight-lane, 50-meter pool, designed not only for water polo practice and competition but also for community use. When bids were secured in the summer of 2017, the project was unexpectedly $3 million over budget, putting the entire initiative on hold. In response to this challenge, WestbergWhite Architecture, in collaboration with Counsilman-Hunsaker, assembled a design-build team committed to finding innovative solutions. Through a design-assist project approach, the team worked closely with the pool contractor to develop a design that met the District’s programming needs while aligning with the revised budget. The result was a successful project that brought Estancia High School a top-tier aquatic facility, leveling the playing field with other district schools and providing a valuable resource for both students and the community. This project stands as a testament to the power of creative problem-solving and collaborative teamwork in overcoming budgetary constraints and delivering high-quality educational facilities.