Dear Council members,
I would like to share my positive experience with the Burgess pool in support of Tim Sheepers contract renewal.
My family and I moved to Menlo Park at the beginning of the pandemic, March 2020. Shortly after, I became depressed. My husband noticed that the pool near us was open while everywhere else was still closed. Not even all of the primary schools had in-person classes yet.
I started to swim once per week. Then more often, and became a lap swim member. A few months later, I joined the Master team. I had never been a swimmer and didnt know any of the strokes, but I felt welcome in the pool and am now a triathlete.
Both of my kids also are active members of the Burgess pool. My daughter has been in the bridge program for the last 2 years, and my son has been in the group swim lessons since last year. One of my daughters best friends from Oak Knoll joined the bridge program last semester, and they will try to join the PASA team in the summer.
Before moving to Menlo Park, we lived in NY, Pennsylvania, and London in the UK, Australia, and other countries. I have always wanted to learn how to swim properly and was a frequent member of many pools. Burgess is the only pool that always has reserved free lanes no matter what class is happening at the time and is the most inclusive. It offers the most variety of classes and attracts a real community. We are so grateful to be part of the Menlo Park community, and the Burgess pool helps us to connect with our friends and neighbors.
I always loved sports, but as an Investment Banker, I didnt make time for it. Over the last 2 years, I felt the power of sports in transforming lives as I transformed mine. I changed careers, and I am not a founder of a climate tech company and have more time for myself and my family. I am grateful for Tim Sheeper, who manages the pool and trains his staff exceptionally well, keeping the Burguess pool open and in excellent condition, welcoming swimmers of all abilities since the beginning of the pandemic. I want to express my support for his contract renewal.
Best,
Juliana
650-272-8318
