November 18, 2025
*RE: Housing in Parks not Parking Lots*
Dear Mayor Combs, City Council Members and City Councilman Justin Murphy:
Taking over the Menlo Park Downtown parking lots is not only bad for the
local businesses, but for families who need affordable housing.
The City of Menlo Park has *16 city owned parks plus the Civic Center*
which would be much more conducive to providing families with a stable,
high quality and affordable home without overcrowding as well as a support
for integration into the community. Pushing all the very low and low income
families into downtown parking lots will create isolationism, overcrowded
and unsafe conditions leading to a lack of stability.
Alternative locations for housing, such as the examples shown below, would
be much better for families as studies demonstrate the impact of
environment on children.
Studies show that a childs *housing environment significantly impacts
their academic performance*, and the effects are generally tied to factors
like housing *stability, quality, affordability, and neighborhood
characteristics*, rather than the physical structure (apartment versus
house) itself.
*Key Factors Influencing Academic Outcomes: *Research indicates that the
following elements of a childs living situation are critical to their
success in school.
- *Housing Stability:* This is one of the most important factors.
Frequent moves, often associated with rental housing or financial burden,
disrupt a childs schooling and peer networks, leading to lower attendance,
lower test scores, and lower graduation rates.
- *Housing Quality:* Substandard housing conditions (e.g., mold, lead
paint, poor air quality, structural issues) are linked to physical and
mental health problems, such as asthma and anxiety. These health issues can
increase school absences and negatively affect concentration and
performance.
- *Overcrowding:* Living in a crowded home can lead to a lack of
privacy, loud study environments, sleep disturbances, and behavior
problems, all of which hinder academic achievement.
- *Affordability:* When families spend more than 30% of their income on
housing, they have fewer resources for necessities like nutritious food,
medical care, and educational supplies or enrichment activities. Financial
stress on parents can also negatively affect childrens well-being and
performance.
- *Home Environment and Study Space:* Having a quiet, personal space to
focus on homework is beneficial for concentration and learning.
- *Neighborhood Characteristics:* The surrounding community and the
quality of local schools play a significant role. Access to higher-quality
schools and safer neighborhoods is associated with better educational
outcomes.
A number of the city owned parks as well as the Menlo Park Civic would be
much better environments for families with children. Some examples are:
*1) **Menlo Park Civic Center (at least 9 acres)*
*2) **Nealon Park (9 acres where a developer could include the very
needed parking)*
*3) **Sharon Park (9.83 acres)*
*1. **Menlo Park Civic Center*
The size of the Menlo Park Civic Center campus is not given in a single
measurement, but it is described as including a *nine-acre park* and
housing the City Hall, library, and recreation facilities. This is part of
a larger campus area that is a hub for civic amenities and is a short walk
from downtown and the train station*. Key features are:*
- *Nine-acre park:* The campus includes a park of this size, with lush
landscaping, a fountain, and a duck pond.
- *Campus includes:* The campus features City Hall, the main Menlo Park
library, and recreation facilities.
- *Location:* It is conveniently located near the Caltrain station and
the citys downtown retail district.
*2. **Nealon Park
*
Nealon Park is a 9-acre community park in Menlo Park, CA, featuring a newly
renovated all-inclusive playground and a variety of sports and recreational
facilities located at 800 Middle Ave. Key features are:
- *All-abilities playground:* Nealon Park underwent a renovation in 2019
to become Menlo Parks first all-inclusive playground. It includes multiple
structures for various age groups, slides, swings, and climbing walls, all
in a nature-inspired theme. The play area is gated and shaded by both
natural redwood trees and sail-like structures.
- *Sports facilities:* The park has multiple lighted courts for tennis
and pickleball, a baseball/softball diamond, and a large open play field.
- *Dog park:* There is an off-leash dog area available with specific
hours.
- *Walking paths:* Paved walking paths are available for visitors.
- *Picnic areas:* Picnic tables and benches are scattered throughout the
park, with some located inside the playground area. Reservations for picnic
areas are available through the citys recreation portal.
- *Senior center:* Little House Senior Activity Center
- *Convenience Location:* Near Safeway shopping center, bike path to
Menlo Park Downtown and easy access to the train station.
*3. **Sharon Park
*
Sharon Park is a quiet, 9-acre public park with a beautiful pond, located
in the Sharon Heights neighborhood of Menlo Park. It features a paved
walking path, a gazebo, shaded picnic areas, and a childrens
playground. Located
in Sharon Heights, close to I-280 and Sand Hill Road. *Key features are:*
- *Pond and wildlife:* The park has a picturesque man-made pond with a
fountain, fish (including koi), ducks, and turtles.
- *Paths and scenery:* A paved, circular walking path surrounds the
pond, with additional unpaved trails in the hilly areas of the park. The
park is known for its scenic views and peaceful atmosphere.
- *Picnic and play areas:* Shaded picnic tables and benches throughout
the park, as well as a playground for children.
- *Dog-friendly:* The park is dog-friendly, though dogs must be on a
leash.
*Summary: Parks versus Downtown Parking Lot*
Spreading out very low and low income housing options in various parks will
prevent the overcrowding, isolationist environments that would be
inevitable by taking over downtown parking lots to crowd all the very low
and low income housing options. Parks provide far more desirable and higher
quality of life environments that our people deserve.
