Update on local swimming pools from Menlo Park Mayor Drew Combs

Editor’s note: The following was included as part of Mayor Drew Comb’s weekly newsletter:

“At the meeting on September 9, a majority of the Menlo Park City Council expressed support for providing additional financial assistance to Menlo Swim and Sport (also referred to as Team Sheeper), the operator of the city’s two pool facilities. Despite the tumult that has plagued the city council’s engagement with the operator, this represents the first time during this months-long process that a clear majority of the council has indicated a willingness to shore up the pool operations. In addition to providing direction to make funds available to ensure the ongoing viability of the pool operations, a council majority also expressed support for providing additional funds to increase the hours of operation.

“The direction provided by the council during the September 9 meeting occurred as part of a study session on the topic so no official action was taken. To expedite a return to more normal operations for the pools, I’ve asked city staff to bring this back for final action as a consent calendar item at the September 30 meeting. During the September 9 meeting, the council also gave staff direction to explore changes to the operating model at the Belle Haven pool that would limit the services provided by Menlo Swim and Sport. A final decision on a change to the operating model for the Belle Haven pool would likely not occur until next year.”