Dear Menlo Park City Council, I am a parent writing to urge you NOT to cut the city gymnastics program. My daughter has been attending gymnastics from age 2, and I hope to see her continue in the program for many years into the future. Karen Mihalek and her program staff are fantastic, and the program and its facilities are unmatched in any nearby city. The program is truly unique, and often highly oversubscribed. Its loss would be felt by many families across the peninsula, and especially by lower income families who are able to afford the city program but would not be able to pay for higher-priced private programs. As a business owner in downtown Menlo Park, I can suggest that raising parking fees in the downtown lots might be a good way to increase revenue. While my staff wouldn't be excited about paying higher fees for parking, we all recognize that they are currently well below market rate. I understand that you are facing an enormous budget shortfall and that you will have to make difficult decisions. But Menlo Park gymnastics is a jewel, and one that serves a diverse group of families. It would be a loss for the entire peninsula. Sincerely, Brie Linkenhoker Received on Mon May 18 2020 - 08:56:33 PDT
