Menlo Park Aquatics, under the leadership of Team Sheeper/Menlo Swim and
Sport (MSS), should be a source of great pride for the leadership of the
City of Menlo Park. I know it’s a source of pride to me, as a 30-year
resident of this city. The community that has been built at Burgess is a
shining example of intergenerational recreation, relationships, and
support. This is in no small part thanks to the positive and professional
culture established by MSS. The city council should seek to preserve and
protect this community, not threaten it.
The situation at Belle Haven is no doubt difficult and will take time to
figure out. But it is incumbent upon the council to find a solution that
does not threaten operations at Burgess Pool and does not threaten the
financial health of its nearly 20-year partner, MSS. I am disappointed
that the council, against staff recommendations, would knowingly allow MSS
to continue suffering losses without *rushing* to remedy the situation.
Honestly, it’s embarrassing, and just plain sad.
At your budget meeting, when MSS tells you what it needs to sustain pool
operations, listen to them! Yes, a long-term solution is needed for Belle
Haven, but in the meantime don’t jeopardize the culture at Burgess in the
process. Driving your partner into financial trouble, and possibly out of
Menlo Park, does no one any good.
Thank you for your service to Menlo Park.
--
Jackie Macdonald
5 Elder Court, MP
mailjackiemac@gmail.com
650.704.5999
