Dear City of Menlo Park Residents,
We, the undersigned, are reaching out to request your support in advocating to the City Council for critical improvements to the Belle Haven Community Campus. As members of this community—many of whom are seniors or individuals with disabilities—we urge the City to address several pressing concerns to ensure that the Senior Center is a safe, inclusive, and functional space for all.
Our Requests:
1. ADA-Accessible Chairs for People with Disabilities
The current chairs have led to multiple incidents of seniors tripping and falling. We request chairs specifically designed for individuals with disabilities, prioritizing safety and comfort. Unlike the carefully selected furniture in the previous building, these chairs were added without considering accessibility needs.
2. More Space and Staff for Activities
We miss the vibrant community events we once had, including Día de Reyes, Mardi Gras, and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. This year, these events were canceled due to staffing shortages. We request additional space and staff to restore these cherished traditions. The previous building had multiple rooms for activities and spaces to relax, fostering a stronger sense of community.
3. Safe Ground Outlets
The current placement of ground-level electrical outlets poses a significant tripping hazard, especially for those with limited mobility. Many seniors have already tripped over these outlets. We urge the City to relocate or cover them to prevent further accidents.
4. Return of the Piano
The Senior Center’s piano brought great joy and was a beloved part of our community activities. We respectfully request its return, as it played a vital role in fostering creativity, connection, and well-being.
5. ADA-Accessible Bathrooms
Many seniors struggle to open the bathroom doors without staff assistance, which is not always available. We request ADA-compliant bathrooms that allow independent use. Additionally, the bathroom upstairs is impractical for those attending classes on the second floor.
6. Adequate Space Around the Pool Table
In the previous building, a large social space accommodated two-person tables and four card tables. Now, the pool table is crammed into the entryway hallway, creating an unsafe and uncomfortable environment for socializing.
7. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance
The current wheelchair ramp is located at the far end of the pool area, making access difficult and unsafe for those with mobility challenges. We request the installation of an additional accessible entrance closer to the main entrance for improved convenience and safety.
8. Supportive Seating for Art & Craft Classes
The current stools used for art and craft classes are uncomfortable and do not provide adequate support for seniors. We request ergonomic seating to ensure full participation in these creative activities.
9. Emergency Safety Exit Plan
Many classes take place on the second floor, raising concerns about emergency evacuation for individuals with mobility challenges. We request that the City develop a clear and accessible safety exit plan to ensure all seniors can evacuate safely in an emergency.
We strongly believe these improvements will create a safer, more welcoming environment for all seniors in our community. Your support is crucial in making these necessary changes a reality.
📢 Please sign our online petition to show your support: https://chng.it/Tx8p5Ttfrh
Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to working together to advocate for a better Belle Haven Community Campus.
Sincerely,
Belle Haven Seniors and Allies
