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Menlo Park weighs options to keep Belhaven Pool running as residents press for hours and local programming
Summary
Council held a lengthy study session on Belhaven Pool programming and cost models, heard dozens of residents call for expanded hours and affordable local programs, and directed staff to explore a pilot or negotiated changes with the current operator while maintaining service through a cost-share this season.
Menlo Park councilmembers spent an extended study session March 24 reviewing four service models for the Belhaven Pool and hearing strong community concern that current hours and programming do not meet Belhaven residents’ needs.
Assistant Library and Community Services Director Nick Schegda outlined four options: continue the current cost-share model (city funds roughly 30 hours per week while the operator provides about 33 hours), a hybrid model (city runs programming, operator provides safety/CPO services), a full city-run staff model (estimated $965,000–$1.44 million annually to hire and train staff), and re-bidding pool operations to another contractor.
The nut graf: residents and advocates urged faster change. Multiple speakers — including Meredith Rohr, Brittany B. Goodwin, Pam D. Jones and Miko Harris-Parker — said Belhaven needs hours that match working…
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