Honorable Council members
I lived in Menlo Park for 40 years. My son, was raised in Menlo Park, still lives there and swims at Burgess. I now live very close by but in Redwood City. I and my children have swum at Burgess since there was only one 33 1/3yd pool. When I first began swimming at Burgess it was a quiet, minimally used pool and was losing money. Those few of us who came regularly called it our country club because it was so relaxed, and it felt so private. The city was worried and considered shutting it down. In an effort to address that Tim was hired and beyond all expectations and almost overnight it was transformed. A huge part of his success is his quiet, egalitarian, diversified approach to swimming and sports in general. I know many swimmers and coaches. No one does it better. He includes and encourages everyone, is charismatic, and we all flock. All ages, all skill levels, all attitudes from relaxed to super competitive. Many of us have all joked that if he leaves we will follow. (Only half joked.) He is an inspiration and a visionary and has transformed not only the pool but also many of us.
After a 40 years at Burgess, I look forward to many more years swimming with Tim and the organization he has inspired.
Cynthia (Sandy) Dutro
650 248-0196
