TO: Menlo Park City Council
FROM: Anne K. Kanerva
RE: ITEM # G2 on Agenda for June 28 council meeting:
agreement with Team Sheeper for continued operation of Burgess Pool
DATE: June 26, 2022
Dear Members of Menlo Park City Council,
I am writing to you because one of the items on the Agenda for the council meeting on June 28 is something that I am concerned about:
Item #G2 … Burgess pool aquatics operator agreement negotiation.
Team Sheeper’s Professional Services Agreement for operating Burgess pool specifies
that minimum public access and community use will include:
. Programs and reasonable accommodation for all ages and abilities,
and
. Inclusive programs for people with disabilities when possible.
As you consider another agreement with Team Sheeper, and the possibility of alternative operators for Burgess pool, please keep in mind that :
Prior to covid-19, there were affordable programs at the pool for people of various ages and abilities,
including 2 excellent and well-attended “Aqua Wellness” classes 3 times a week, that were suitable for the elderly, disabled, and those recovering from surgery.
When the pool reopened, a limited “:Aquacize” program was available, replacing the old “Aquafit” program, and later, in March 2022, a very limited and expensive “Water Wellness” program was added on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The pricing structure for the new “Wellness” program seems to be discriminatory. Previously, for $69/month seniors could attend “Aquafit” classes 6 days/week at 8 a.m., plus go to the “Wellness” classes on MWFs at 9 and 10 AM. Now, the elderly and disabled have the choice of 2 classes/week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-10:30, for a cost of $119/month, while the cost for the “Aquacize” classes 4x/week is $70-$78 per month. Why are elderly and disabled persons being charged so much more money than the more active residents, and for fewer options?
People who are elderly or infirm or recovering from surgery have had no appropriate and affordable programs at the Burgess pool now for more than 2 years.
In the meantime, Team Sheeper’s focus seems to be on athletic teams for youth, and fast-paced cardio-based programs, including programs that really belong at Stanford University.
How can we insure that commitments to programs for the disabled and elderly in our community are provided in an affordable and appropriate manner?
I suggest that the City of Menlo Park should consider alternative operators for the Burgess pool.
Sincerely,
Anne K. Kanerva
377 Santa Margarita Ave.
Menlo Park CA 94025
