I am writing in support of Team Sheeper’s continued operation of the Menlo Park pools in Agenda Item I2 for the February 14 meeting. I have lived in Menlo Park since we bought our home in the Willows in 2007. Swimming at Burgess has been a highlight of being a Menlo Park resident.
I sent a previous letter to the City Council on July 2, 2022 in support of Team Sheeper and will not repeat those musings. However, I will reiterate the extraordinary oversight, professionalism, and variety of offerings that I have seen over the years I have swum at Burgess (and some at Belle Haven) under Team Sheeper’s management, including their prompt and safe response to the pandemic.
Having read through the three proposals, I came away with two primary views:
(1) it is vital to have an operator who not only has run pools professionally (understanding the complexities, hiring and training needs and revenue realities of facilities of this size and scope), but also understands and has been part of our Bay Area community; and
(2) on paper, I am just as impressed with Team Sheeper as I have been through my experience — seeing in writing their commitment to training, safety, facility maintenance and responsiveness to the needs of the community, even specifically to some (in my view unfair) complaints voiced last year to the Council.
Over the years of lap swimming, swim lessons, Masters participation and trying Aquafit classes, I have found Burgess to be well-staffed by professional, courteous and friendly individuals, whether at the front desk, on the pool deck or behind the scenes. The facility feels safe, clean and welcoming to all.
I hope the Council values views of residents who use the pool and are happy with the current operations and does not underestimate the disruption that would be caused to residents by making a change just to try something different.
Thank you.
Cindy Akard
