Burgess Pool splashes into history Burgess Pool splashes into history (June 09, 2004)

** Pool was built during World War II as a part of an Army hospital in Menlo Park.

By Rebecca Wallace
Almanac Staff Writer

Sixty-one years after it was built to help World War II soldiers on the mend, Burgess Pool in Menlo Park will close on Sunday, June 13.

Swimmers are looking forward to the three new pools for laps, instruction, and children that will replace the old two-pool facility. But some history buffs are also taking a moment to recall Burgess' early days.

Frank Helfrich, secretary of the Menlo Park Historical Association, dug up a rare magazine from the 1940s with a photo of the pool, which was built in 1943 as part of the Army's Dibble General Hospital. The hospital was known for its reconstructive surgery on the battle-scarred, such as treating eye injuries and rebuilding injured noses.

The pool was meant for rehabilitation, but the photo caption also reveals it wasn't above hosting a good time.

"For the aquatic-minded, this is heaven. For anybody else, the pool is the place to loosen up tensed muscles and get water in your ears. Available to all patients and duty personnel. Suits and towels are free. As fine a pool as money can buy," the caption stated.

The hospital closed after the war, and the city of Menlo Park took over the pool and opened it to the public. While the main pool is the original, the wading pool was replaced in the 1970s, said senior recreation supervisor Nancy Nuckolls.

Before the pool closes, city officials will commemorate it with special events.

On Friday, June 11, there will be free lap swimming from 7 to 9 a.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., said Jeff Dybdal, an aquatics program assistant. Free aquatics exercise will be available from 9:15 to 10 a.m. and from 5:15 to 6 p.m., with free recreational swimming from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

That evening, families are invited to bring a picnic dinner to eat on the lawn from 5:30, then swim for free from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

On June 12 and 13, free recreational swimming will be available from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The work at Burgess Pool is part of major renovations at Burgess Park, funded by the $38 million Measure T bond measure, passed by voters in 2001. The pool project was originally scheduled to be finished next summer, but construction bids recently came in higher than expected.

The lowest bid was $5.8 million -- $1.6 million over the $4.2 million estimate, city supervising engineer Art Morimoto said. This may be due to increases in the cost of steel and oil, he said.

Staff members are recommending that the City Council reject the bids and seek new bids after changing design elements of the project to lower costs, such as using different fencing materials and building finishes. This could delay the project for three months, pushing its completion date to fall 2005. The council will vote June 8 on the matter.

When Burgess Pool closes, the city will continue its programs at the pool in the Belle Haven neighborhood for the summer. Some city programs will also be held at Menlo-Atherton High School's pool.

Burgess Pool is at 501 Laurel St., and the Belle Haven facility is at 100 Terminal Ave. Call 330-2237 for schedule information.

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