Dear City Council Members,
I am writing in support of my fellow Menlo Park resident, Lucey, who has raised important concerns about the steps at the Belle Haven Performance Pool at the Belle Haven Community Campus.
As she shared with Vice Mayor Nash, the current steps are awkward and can be difficult or even unsafe for many swimmers, especially older adults, people with arthritis, or those with limited mobility. While younger swimmers may easily pull themselves out of the pool, many others find the steps to be a significant barrier. One senior told Lucey she would love to swim laps but feels intimidated by the current setup.
Although the pool’s handicap chair provides accessibility, some people do not feel comfortable requesting its use.
A simple solution Lucey discussed with Vice Mayor Nash is to add a set of steps at one end of a side lane. This lane could then be designated for seniors and adult swim lessons.
The city wants more people to use the pool, and making it more accessible will encourage more residents of Belle Haven and Menlo Park to participate.
This request aligns with the City of Menlo Park’s commitment to its Environmental Justice Element, which supports equitable access to community resources and facilities. More information can be found on the Environmental Justice (EJ) Element webpage.
I hope the city will consider this small but meaningful improvement. It would make the pool more welcoming and accessible to many residents.
Thank you for your time and for your service to our community.
Sincerely,
Eduardo Hernández
