Dear Menlo Park City Council and Staff,
I am writing to support Tim Sheeper/Menlo Swim and Sports proposal to run the Menlo Park Pool Programs.
I swim regularly as a community member, not as a Master’s Swimmer. Being able to swim is essential to my well being. Access to the pool contributes to a quality of life that makes me enjoy living in Menlo Park. I have enjoyed swimming at the Menlo Park Pool for all of the 19 years I have lived here and several years prior to that when we drove from San Carlos to swim at Burgess, prior to the remodel.
I appreciate being able to swim before work at 6am, having the option to swim after work and during open swim hours at other times during the day especially in summer.
I enjoy being greeted by friendly staff who are reliable and accommodating. When I was challenged with the new online system they set up my account cheerfully, respectfully and without hesitation.
In reviewing the 3 proposals for running the pool, it is clear that Tim’s proposal is the most informed, comprehensive and preferred especially for:
-Significantly higher number of hours the pool is open- about 30% more pool availability with fewer holiday closures
-Lap swim hours that accommodate working community members schedules- open starting at 6 am compared to a 10am start in Swan’s proposal.
-Staff who are friendly, experienced, and helpful and leaders who have proven that they can run the pool well; better than has ever been done before in Menlo Park
I hope the Council and Staff will recognize that the Solo proposal to pay the city the full $645,000 amount may look good but the offer seems uninformed based on their budget proposal. This is evidence to their lack of experience and knowledge of running a pool facility rather than what is primarily a competitive swim program.
Please recognize what a truly wonderful thing we have going at the Menlo Park Pool and vote to allow it to continue.
Thank you for inviting comment.
With appreciation,
Kirsten Mouradian
945 Millie Ave
Menlo Park, CA
