Menlo Park City Council
701 Laurel Street
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Re: Need for Clear Direction on Menlo Park Aquatics Operations, City
Council Has Many Options. Decide.
Dear Menlo Park City Council,
I am writing to express my concern about the ongoing situation with Menlo
Park Aquatics, specifically the challenge of covering operational costs at
Belle Haven Pool given the current usage levels, and the lack of
flexibility in the operator’s contract to adjust services to match demand.
Council members, city staff, the operator, and pool users have invested
significant time in discussing, proposing, and evaluating solutions.
However, the process has stalled without a clear message from the City
Council regarding its priorities for these public assets and services.
Without clarity on objectives, it is difficult for stakeholders to work
toward a shared solution.
If the City Council’s priority is to meet Belle Haven community-expressed
needs for free and very low-cost offerings—even with low initial
participation—then city-funded and city-staffed management of programming,
along with revenue-based activities, is a strong and appropriate option.
Restructure the arrangement for more control.
If the priority is to minimize additional cost to the city, then allowing
flexibility in the contract terms is essential. This should include the
full package of items proposed by the operator and vetted by city staff
(rate changes, seasonal hour changes, addition of revenue generating
activities within the aquatics/fitness realm)
I respectfully request that the Council resolve this matter quickly and
transparently, stating clear objectives so that the community can
collaborate to shape programs that serve as many people in Menlo Park as
possible. This includes acknowledging that residents of neighboring cities
contribute to the vitality and revenue that sustain these programs.
Please continue to take a proactive role in moving toward a solution that
balances fiscal responsibility with equitable access to aquatic services.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Sincerely,
Kim Freitas
kim.freitas@gmail.com
