Dear Menlo Park City Council,
I am writing in support of Team Sheeper’s proposal to operate Menlo Park aquatic facilities.
For over 15 years, I was employed by SRI International, directly across the street from Burgess in Menlo Park. I first started to use the pool at Burgess prior to its renovation, when I would occasionally drop in for lap swim. Post-renovation, I joined the master’s team there and, over time, also began playing water polo through Menlo Mavens. When I had kids, I brought them to Burgess for swim lessons, summer camp, and summer swim team because: a) I was so impressed by the professionalism and friendliness of the swim school staff at Burgess and, b) the facility is maintained very well, with one pool warmer than the other to best meet the needs of diverse users of the facility. I use Burgess pool 4-5 days a week and see it used in different ways by many people. The Aqua Fit classes are heavily used, our master’s swim team lanes are full, and when I have come by at other times of the day, I see that the pool is used throughout its many open hours for recreational swim, open swim, lap swim, swim team, and swim lessons.
I support Team Sheeper’s proposal because of the caring and consistency of Team Sheeper staff. My older son started swim lessons when he was about two years old; he is now in his senior year of high school. Some of his original swim instructors still work for Team Sheeper; some of the senior members of the swim team are now on staff as instructors and swim coaches. People stay connected with Team Sheeper because of the strong ethic of community and caring, which Tim embodies. Through his caring and professionalism, he has built an amazing masters program, which attracts novice swimmers to former national champions; 18 year olds to 80+ year olds; people wanting to continue competitive swimming to those looking for community support for health and fitness. I am currently employed by Stanford University and could, as a result, join Stanford’s masters team at a lower cost. But I stay with Team Sheeper because of the quality of experience and the friendships I have formed with other team members, coaches and broader staff at the pool. Tim brings a long community history and an unparalleled commitment to equity and inclusion.
Because the City of Menlo Park wants to support community values and have exemplary aquatic facilities, it should select Team Sheeper’s proposal.
Best,
Hanna Gallagher
