Owen Ward - Disruptive Group
Quote of the week
Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.
― Khalil Gibran
Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.
― Franklin D. Roosevelt
The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way. Some see nature all ridicule and deformity... and some scarce see nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself.
― William Blake
When great trees fall,
rocks on distant hills shudder,
lions hunker down
in tall grasses,
and even elephants
lumber after safety.
― Maya Angelou
Heritage tree scavenger hunt
Did you know that the City has over 19,000 public trees? That's right! Some of the largest and most magnificent trees are just around the corner in a park near you. Starting Sept. 1, get ready for an exciting scavenger hunt for all ages. Join in the fun and search for heritage tree tags hidden in your neighborhood park. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore, learn and connect with nature right in your backyard. Don't miss out on this adventure and on a chance to win a fruit tree. This fun event runs from Sept. 1 to Sept. 22. Happy tree-hunting! Learn more.
Save the date! Public Works Open House is Sept. 27
The City of Menlo Park Public Works department is hosting an Open House on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Corporation Yard (333 Burgess Dr.) to showcase some of the work they do for the community and share information about their team. Bring your family, friends and neighbors to enjoy family-friendly activities and learn more about City programs and services! Learn more.
Recreation: Activity guide fall 2025
Learning is a lifelong adventure! The City of Menlo Park offers a wide range of high-quality recreational classes for all ages. City recreation centers host fitness, dance, sports, gymnastics, music, drama, arts, crafts, cooking and much more, all with a welcoming and supportive community spirit. Whether you're a curious newcomer or a seasoned student, there's something to pique your interest.
| View the Activity Guide |
Adult softball league: Now accepting signups
The season of softball has arrived! Registration is now open for men's and co-ed Leagues. All skill levels are welcome. Start a team with your local group, organization or business and join us on the ball field! Don't have a team? Don't worry, you can sign up as a free agent. The season runs from Aug. 27–Oct. 23 at Nealon Park. Visit the website for fees and sign up information.
- Men's: Wednesdays from 7–10 p.m.
- Co-ed: Thursdays from 7–10 p.m.
New swim center hours for fall begin Aug. 18
Starting Monday, Aug. 18, City swim centers Belle Haven Pool and Burgess Pool will be switching over to their Fall schedules:
| Monday | 9 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 9 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 10 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| Thursday | 9 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| Friday | 9 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| Saturday | 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. |
| Sunday | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Monday | 6–10 a.m.* 3 p.m.–10 a.m. |
| Tuesday | 6–10 a.m.* 3–8 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 6 a.m.–10 a.m.* 3–8 p.m. |
| Thursday | 6–10 a.m.* 3–8 p.m. |
| Friday | 6–10 a.m.* 3–7 p.m. |
| Saturday | 6 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Sunday | 7 a.m.–4 p.m. |
*Please note that Burgess Pool will be closed Monday–Friday between 10 a.m.–3 p.m. During those times, please visit Belle Haven Pool.
Belle Haven Pool and Burgess Pool are operated by local partner Menlo Swim and Sport under contract with the City of Menlo Park. For more information and to view detailed schedules of daily pool activities, please visit the Menlo Swim and Sport website.
Swim Lessons
Registration for fall swim lessons at Burgess and Belle Haven Pools opens Sunday, Aug. 17, at noon. Browse classes online now! Spots go fast! Resident rates are available for Menlo Park residents. Plus, scholarships and Belle Haven hyperlocal resident discounts are available at Belle Haven Pool. We are here to help, so reach out to our customer service team or stop by the pool to talk with us. Learn more and register.
Free literary and cultural programs
These free literary and cultural programs received funding support from Friends of Menlo Park Library.
- Summer Reading Game. August is the final month of the Summer Reading Game! Track your reading and win great prizes (while supplies last). Check out a book in person or check out our eBooks and other electronic resources. Learn more.
- Tea and Tarot. Join us for tea and conversation around the tarot deck. Bring your own tarot cards! Participate on Sunday, Aug. 17, from 3–4 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
- Teen Book Group. Join us for Teen Book Group as we read The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han on Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
- Mystery Readers Group: Ecclesiastical Mysteries. From abbeys to mosques to temples, no place of worship is immune to a good mystery. So say your prayers and dig into some ecclesiastical mysteries with us on Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 6–7:15 p.m. online via Zoom. Learn more.
- Documentary – Boss: The Black Experience in Business. In honor of Black Business Month, join us for a documentary tracing the lives of African American entrepreneurs over 150 years. Participate on Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 5:15–7:15 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
- 1, 2, 3 – By the Sea! Music with MaryLee Sunseri. Join us outside to sing and dance along to fun songs about sea animals with MaryLee on Thursday, Aug. 21, from 10:15–10:45 a.m. at Menlo Park Library lawn, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
- Summer Puppetry Festival: Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Enjoy Bob Baker's Marionette Medley, a greatest-hits show full of endless magic. Participate on Friday, Aug. 22, from 11:30 a.m.–noon on the Menlo Park Library lawn, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
- Middle Grade Book Group: It's Boba Time for Pearl Li. Discuss this month's book It's Boba Time for Pearl Li by Nicole Chen and meet Nicole in person for a visit and some fun activities! Join us on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 4–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
- Summer Puppetry Festival: Tale of the Dragon's Tale. Our 8th annual Summer Puppetry Festival concludes with Puppet Art Theater, on tour from our state's capital with a dragon! Participate on Sunday, Aug. 24, from 10:30–11:15 a.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
Check out more free community programs
The above was just a sample of the many free activities hosted by the City of Menlo Park this week. Check out the community events calendar to see them all!
| See more free programs |
Library Commission Meeting
The Library Commission is comprised of Menlo Park residents who advise the City Council on matters related to the City's libraries. Library Commission meetings are open to the public and public comments are welcome. The next meeting is on Monday, Aug. 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, 700 Alma St. This is a hybrid meeting; participants can join online or in person. See the meeting agenda.
Modified hours for staff training days – Aug. 25 and 26
City libraries and recreation facilities will have modified hours for staff training days on Monday, Aug. 25, and Tuesday, Aug. 26.
- Belle Haven Community Campus, including Belle Haven Library, Menlo Park Senior Center and Onetta Harris Community Center, will open later than usual at 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 25.
- Arrillaga Family Gymnasium, Arrillaga Family Gymnastics Center, Arrillaga Family Recreation Center and Menlo Park Library will open later than usual at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26.
Our staff training days help us to better serve you. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Suggestion box – How are we doing?
We strive to deliver excellent service to the Menlo Park community. Your feedback helps us learn and improve. Do you have a question, complaint or suggestion? We want to hear from you. Please share your thoughts in our online suggestion box.
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