Menlo Park Aquatics

Menlo Park Aquatics Contract Review Process

Background:

The City of Menlo Park rebuilt the Burgess Aquatic Facility, located at 501 Laurel Street, in 2006. The Burgess Aquatic Facility renovation was funded by Measure T bonds. Prior to completing the construction of this project and opening the facility in 2006, the City had undertaken a community-based budget process called Your City/Your Decision, the results of which provided guidance for making difficult budget reductions. As a result of this process, the aquatics budget was identified for reduction. Due to the nature of public aquatic programs and facilities, achieving full cost recovery was not seen as possible, given that the new facility - with multiple pools - would have higher costs. Several options for cost savings were discussed, including reduced operational hours, pool closure during winter months, and closing the Belle Haven pool entirely. An alterative solution was reached in May 2006, when the City of Menlo Park entered into a Lease Agreement with a private contractor to operate the Burgess facility and aquatic programming year-round for 5 years. This lease agreement will expire on May 20, 2011. The City is seeking proposals from private aquatic program providers to operate the Burgess Aquatic Facility and aquatic programming beginning in May 2011 through May 2016. In addition, the option to include the operations of the Belle Haven Pool, located at 100 Terminal Ave (currently open during the summer only) is included.