Dear Members of the Menlo Park City Council,
My name is Cami Rothenberg and I’m a 16-year-old student at Menlo-Atherton
High School. I’m writing to share my strong support for Menlo Swim and
Sport to remain the operator of the Menlo Park public pools.
As a member of the MA swim team and a longtime user of the Burgess Pool, I
can say with enthusiasm that the community and programs built by Menlo Swim
and Sport have shaped who I am today. Burgess Pool is where I first
discovered my love for swimming, and it’s where I’ve spent many hours
training, making friends, and learning the value of teamwork and dedication.
The leadership of Tim Sheeper and the staff at Menlo Swim and Sport have
created a truly special environment. Whether it’s through lap swimming,
recreational use, or their summer camps, they have consistently fostered a
welcoming and supportive community for me and swimmers of all ages and
abilities. Their role in building this culture is ultimately why I was
honored to receive the Bear Award for team spirit on our high school swim
team—a recognition I never imagined earning when I first jumped into the
pool years ago.
I’m genuinely concerned that changing the operator of the pool could
jeopardize the quality and availability of these programs. Menlo Swim and
Sport has not only kept the facilities running smoothly—they’ve made them a
central part of life for families across our community. It’s more than just
a pool; it’s a place where people grow, connect, and thrive.
I understand that there are financial challenges involved, and I fully
support a public subsidy for Belle Haven Pool so that all Menlo Park
residents can benefit from similar opportunities and services.
Thank you for listening to voices like mine, and I hope you will seriously
consider renewing the partnership with Menlo Swim and Sport. What they’ve
built at Burgess is something truly worth preserving.
Sincerely,
Cami Rothenberg
Menlo Park Resident, Cotton Street
