“They didn’t have to do any of this,” he said, referring to Facebook’s offer. He added that he supported and applauded the effort to “create something special.” Harry Bims, a Belle Haven resident, said he thought the city should start now to think about what kinds of programs should be offered at the new community center, getting residents’ input and evaluating current trends with city programs and services. People offered a few suggestions for the project. However, designs for the pool area are still not finalized. The council favors using existing Measure T general obligation bonds that were passed to improve recreation facilities on this project, and the Menlo Park Library Foundation has indicated it also plans to launch an ambitious fundraising campaign to raise $2 million to $3 million in donations.Ī rendering of what the pool plans could look like at the new community center in Belle Haven. The plan is to have the project done and ready for a grand opening by the end of February 2023.įacebook is contributing about $40 million contribution to the project, and the city plans to invest nearly $16 million in the project, as well, to add extra amenities, like replacing the old pool with a new one, adding emergency backup power so the site can be used as an evacuation center, putting utilities underground and building solar carports, a renewable energy microgrid and other sustainability features. With the project approved by the City Council, the project still has to be fully reviewed before permits are issued, and the existing facilities need to be closed and emptied before demolition.
“This has been a really terrific, intensive and collaborative process,” said project architect Eron Ashley of the architecture firm Hart Howerton, which has been working with Facebook to design the development.Īn outdoor dining area offers a place to serve seniors lunch during the day. Facebook announced its offer to build the project in October 2019 and it was approved in a little over a year. Plans for the new community center have come together remarkably quickly, as far as development proposals go in Menlo Park, and especially given the pandemic-driven tumult of 2020. “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to build this.” “This really is an investment in the community,” he said.
The council is expected to vote on final designs for the pool later this month.įacebook has been in Menlo Park for 10 years now, said Fergus O’Shea, director of campus development at Facebook. The city is responsible for rebuilding the pool, but is still ironing out the designs, according to staff. This map shows the layout for the ground floor planned at the new community center in Belle Haven.
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