Dear City Council :

    I would like to express my opinion on upgrading the gymnastics
facility. I agree with the following statements by fellow gymnast
parent Elaine Lowitz and forward it to you for your attention.

  Thank you, Janet Moody

Subject: Supporting Measure T funds for upgrading gymnastics facility

Dear City Council:

 I understand that meetings have been taking place to decide how to allocate
Measure T bond funds. I am a parent of a gymnast who has been using the
gymnastics facility in Menlo park for 10 years. My thoughts are summarized
below. I may not be able to attend any meetings; hence, this written letter
to you.

I propose allocating Measure T Bond Funds to renovating the gymnastics
facility for a number of reasons.
 
Benefits:
 
The gymnastics program is a strong revenue generator for the city of Menlo
Park. The program has a history of people lining up for registration and
long waiting lists for the program.
 
The gymnastics program is a unique offering that appeals to girls as well as
boys and adults. Note that the existing MP recreation space is heavily
focused on boy-dominant sports: baseball field, basketball court, and the
skate park.
 
Gymnastics program appeals to broad range of citizens from toddlers through
adult ages and people with special needs. Short of the swimming pool, no
other MP recreation space offers a program of broad appeal.
 
Menlo Park Gymnastic Facility Needs:
 
Air conditioning: The gym is uncomfortable, especially in the summer months,
causing attendance to drop off during this time, and causing discomfort for
the instructors.
 
Size: The gymnastics facility needs to be larger. If the gym size is
increased, the city can generate increased revenue by accommodating people
who are currently on the wait list. The gym also generates revenue from
renting out space for birthday parties ­ there can be more of these with
additional party space.
 
New Equipment: The current flooring for tumbling does not have enough
spring, creating potential stress injuries for gymnasts. And a foam pit
should be installed as a necessary component for attaining higher level
skills. Adequate space for a proper vault runway is needed, as well as a
locker room and additional drinking fountains. Furthermore, the drinking
fountains in the multi-purpose portion of the gym do not function well,
offering dribs of water instead of a strong, steady stream.
 
Thank you for your consideration: Janet Moody
 

------ End of Forwarded Message
Received on Wed Jan 24 06:40:15 2007