Opening of new Burgess pools may be delayed Opening of new Burgess pools may be delayed (February 01, 2006)

By Rory Brown

Almanac Staff Writer

Swimmers gearing up to dive into one of Burgess Park's three new pools should prepare for bad news: the pools may not be open in April as expected.

At the request of Menlo Park Councilwoman Mickie Winkler, the City Council will discuss delaying opening the pools at its meeting on Tuesday, January 31.

Ms. Winkler said the city should consider postponing the openings until the council decides how to deal with the city's expected $2.9 million shortfall in the fiscal year starting July 1.

The other four council members agreed the discussion is worthwhile.

Construction at the Burgess facility started in June 2004. Once finished, the site will have three pools. Previously, there were two.

City staff recently prepared a list of options for cutting city services based on a survey of residents.

Many survey respondents targeted the city's aquatics program for cuts, and staff-generated options for cutting costs include closing one of the soon-to-be-finished Burgess pools for nine months of the year, and closing the Belle Haven pool entirely.

Ms. Winkler said the council needs to make a decision about the Burgess pool soon, because the city will be hiring staff and lifeguards.

The work on the pool is part of major renovations at Burgess Park, funded by the $38 million Measure T bond measure, passed by voters in 2001.

The council meets at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at the Civic Center between Alma and Laurel streets.

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