Dear Council Members of Menlo Park City, Firstly I'd like to thank you all and the city teams keeping Menlo Park city up and running, healthy and civil in these difficult times. I'm certain that you have many challenges ahead as we all are facing uncertain times. I am writing to you to request the reopening of the Burgess Pool (Menlo Swim) for lap swimming that complies with social distancing rules and good hygiene. I've heard that San Mateo county has now allowed the reopening of public pools that are in compliance with the social distancing rules. I also understand that Menlo Park has opted to keep Burgess Pool (Menlo Swim) closed for the time being. I've also heard that Menlo Swim has a convincing plan for reopening that is conservative and implementable. I am a member at Menlo Swim and normally swim 4 to 5 times a week. I therefore thoroughly know the pool, facilities, staff and community and believe we can reopen the pool and still keep everyone safe. My reasoning includes the following: * The pool: by keeping lane distances at 6 feet, alternating rests at opposite ends of the lanes, a strict lane reservation and time limit policy, plus it is commonly accepted that the Covid-19 virus can not survive in a properly treated pool. * The facilities: sanitizing the facility, placing 6ft marks, limiting or (preventing if necessary) the usage of changing rooms and showers (many swimmers would be willing to forgo using the changing rooms and changing at home, since that is now where we spend most of our time), plus at the busiest of times the facilities are not overly populated. I am confident both the pool staff and swimmers would embrace this. * The staff: I value the staff at Menlo Swim and appreciate there work, commitment and smile every time I visit the pool. Which is very different to the public pools I have used in the past. Burgess Park pool is a special place! * The community: the lap swimmers of Burgess Park are committed, considerate and respectful lap swimmers, which is very different to the open/free swim for families and casual swimmers. Knowing many of the lap swimmers, I trust the community to be responsible. * The benefits of swimming are without a doubt some of the best for any fitness activity or sport for all ages. These are sorely needed in these difficult times for both mind and body. I'd be happy to answer any questions or provide further information. Again, I understand that you are making tough decisions to keep everyone safe and the city up and running. Above all I understand the risks of trying to reopen and relax hygiene standards too early. Having carefully weighed these factors I urge you to reopen Burgess Park pool as soon as possible. Best Regards, Etienne ETIENNE ILIFFE-MOON 323 369 6211 etienne_at_(domainremoved) Received on Tue May 26 2020 - 22:53:14 PDT
