SEASIDE — When he went to a state meet, Logan Dennis, a Seaside High School senior and swim captain, learned that he was able to use a new diving platform to achieve his personal best time.

The last time Sunset Pool replaced the blocks was 35 years ago when Mary Blake was general manager of the Sunset Empire Park and Recreation District.

Today, Blake is working as a mentor with Dennis in fundraising for new blocks, part of his senior Pacifica Project.

“I hope to learn more about the community and everyone’s involvement in the park district,” Dennis said. “And just how much people care about the water safety aspects of the diving blocks.”

A fundraiser for the blocks launched last April. Six blocks are needed, and each block costs $5,000.

While the current diving blocks are OK, they are not very stable. For instance, Dennis said, the diving block in lane three is slightly crooked and can interfere with a dive.

New blocks will make a big difference, Blake said, with grab rails and a kick plate.

“Once you get in there, make that body a spring — it really sends them off,” she said.

Carolyn Heymann, a swim coach with the park district and an assistant coach at the high school, sees merit in the new diving blocks, which will allow faster starts.

“Our swimmers don’t get a chance to race with those features until they get to state,” Heymann said.

The blocks will bring more familiarity with the equipment they would use at the championship level and level the playing field for the student athletes, she said.

So far, the park district has raised $18,000 of the $30,000 necessary and is planning to request nonprofit funds.

Donors have provided funds for a new digital timer and display board, along with a new zip line across the pool.

Fundraising efforts will continue from 1 to 3 p.m. on April 15 in a water obstacle course challenge.

Dennis helped design the course with Blake.

Winners will be announced from four age brackets, ages 10 and under; ages 11 to 12; ages 12 to 15; and 16 and over.