Editor,
Since February, the Menlo Park City Council has been aware of mounting financial challenges facing our pool operator, a small, local business maintaining safe pools at Burgess and Belle Haven. The current contract requires Belle Haven to stay open 63 hours per week, despite averaging only four swimmers per hour at this recently renovated facility.
While everyone had good intentions when signing this contract, Belle Haven needs time to rebuild attendance after its extended closure for renovation. Meanwhile, the pool operator has faced nearly $250,000 in losses from Belle Haven since its reopening in May of last year.
Without meaningful relief, the operator may be forced to cut hours at the popular Burgess pool or walk away from this unsustainable arrangement. Such moves would introduce uncertainty to countless residents and families who rely on both pools for learn-to-swim programs, open swim and team activities; not to mention hundreds of employees, including many from Menlo-Atherton High School.
The City Council should make this issue an agenda item at its Aug. 12 regular meeting. When last discussed on April 15, the Council approved only one minor item raising nonresident fees, among a comprehensive package supported by the Parks and Recreation Commission, city staff and the pool operator. The time for half-measures has passed.
Let’s give our City Council one more opportunity to do right by the community it serves.
Sincerely,
Sachi Blue-Smith
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