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
Sent from my iPhone
