Dear Council Members, It has been brought to my attention that Menlo Park is considering cutting funding to Menlo Park gymnastics in order to make up the shortfall created by the Covid-19 pandemic. While these clearly are unprecedented times that require immense sacrifices from everyone in the community, we would ask that you not cut funding from the gymnastics program, if at all possible. At a time when children are already suffering disproportionately from lack of regular programming, school, camps, sports, and other enrichment activities — and when families are being stretched financially —children in our area will need gymnastics and community support even more than they did prior to the pandemic. My young children have participated in Menlo Park gymnastics for the past 3 years. The gymnastics program and its incredible facilities and staff are unparalleled in our area. The program has enabled my children to develop gross motor skills that are crucial to healthy brain development in young children. It also teaches important skills, like group play and direction-following, that enable young children to prepare for and thrive in school. Few, if any, similar programs exist. The gymnastics facility is especially useful because it is usable year-round and during any type of weather. Please continue to provide a safe place for our children to learn and develop the important skills that will enable them to grow into healthy, balanced individuals. With gratitude, Amanda Roth Sent from my iPhone Received on Mon May 18 2020 - 15:06:26 PDT
