Show All Answers

1. How was the order of reopening facilities and services determined?

The City Council reviewed the plan for expanding public access to facilities and services April 27, 2021. The phased reopening plan takes place over 4-6 months and considers several significant factors: 

• Public and employee safety 
• Risk levels for various indoor activities 
• Community vaccination progress 
• Time and investment needed to safely prepare facilities and staff; competing demands on resources from additional facility projects
• The city organization’s reduced operational capacity from budget and staffing cuts implemented due to the economic downturn

2. When will child care enrollment increase?

The city’s preschool and afterschool child care resumed in summer 2020, with some limitations due to health orders and safety guidance. Enrollment is expected to increase as state health restrictions ease. It is not known when this will happen, but we believe there will be changes before K-12 school resumes this fall.

3. Will the libraries have the same open hours as before the pandemic?

The two city library locations plan to reopen July 6 with approximately 30% fewer open hours than before the pandemic, due to budget and staffing cuts implemented during the economic downtown. Both libraries plan to reopen with sufficient staffing capacity for 40 hours over five days per week each (same hours at both locations), compared to the previous 59 hours over seven days per week at the Main Library and 55 hours over seven days per week at the Belle Haven Branch before the pandemic.

4. Where will senior services be provided?

The Menlo Park Senior Center’s services are planned to relocate to the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center effective June 7. Current services, including home delivery of boxed meals and wellness checks by telephone, will continue from the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center. Starting July 12, on-site senior meal services will begin at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center and senior-only hours will begin at the Main Library to provide additional classroom and gathering spaces for seniors. Transportation will be provided for seniors via shuttle, just like before the pandemic.

5. When will gymnastics classes start again?

The City Council suspended gymnastics programming for fiscal year 2020-21 due to health and safety concerns, as well as the economic downturn. No firm date has yet been set for restarting the indoor gymnastics program. As we continue to monitor community vaccination progress, safely reopening of various facilities and services, including gymnastics, will be evaluated. Look for additional information and announcements in the weeks ahead.