Quote of the week

"Studying whether there's life on Mars or studying how the universe began, there's something magical about pushing back the frontiers of knowledge." – Sally Ride

A Library Adventure! Outer Space

Suit up for adventure and join us for some outer space-themed fun as you discover the secrets of the Menlo Park Library. This all-ages event features three self-led missions at different levels of difficulty. Try one, or take on all three challenges — it's up to you! The more missions you complete, the more prizes you may win. This free event received funding support from Friends of Menlo Park Library. Drop in on Wednesday, July 16, from 3:30–7 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

 

 

Music in the Park – July 16

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and pack all your favorite picnic essentials for live music in the park! This week features Busta Groove, “California’s number 1 party band,” specializing in hit songs from the 70s, 80s, 90s and today. Admission is free. This event is part of the City of Menlo Park Summer Concert series. Join us on Wednesday, July 16, at 6 p.m. at Fremont Park, Santa Cruz Avenue at University Drive. See event details.

 

Heart of downtown at Fremont Park

Located on Santa Cruz Avenue at University Drive, Fremont Park is the historic heart of downtown Menlo Park. Nestled alongside local shops, restaurants and other small businesses, the park is a compact but vibrant hub of activity and is home to major community festivals, from the Shop Local! Light Up the Season winter celebration to the Music in the Park summer concert series.

Today, it is a beloved community destination with benches, mature trees, a grass lawn area and walking paths. The park is also steeped in history. When the United States entered World War I in the year 1917, Menlo Park was chosen as the site for a military training ground because its landscape and topography was similar to the French countryside. Learn more.

 

Calling all local non-profits! Apply for the Community Funding Program by July 18

Each year, the City of Menlo Park provides monetary support to eligible community organizations and non-profit agencies whose programs address the human service needs of our community, focusing on basic services, enrichment and health. If you're involved with a local non-profit, consider applying!

Learn more about the Community Funding Program

 

Swim lessons 

Swimming is an important skill that offers lifelong benefits. Learn to swim or build on your existing skills in a supportive, safe environment with swim lessons at Belle Haven Pool and Burgess Pool. Menlo Park resident discounts, Belle Haven Hyperlocal discounts and swim scholarships are available. Lessons are available Monday through Thursday (four lessons per session) or as single booking lessons on Saturdays. For more information and to register, visit menloswim.com

 

Swim and Strength Program for adults 65 and older  

The Legends Swim & Strength Program is designed for individuals 65 years and older who aim to maintain or improve their mobility, flexibility, strength and cardiovascular endurance. Classes are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9–10:30 a.m. at Burgess Pool. Sign up for a monthly membership or drop-in and try out today! Learn more.

 

Aquatics working group 

The Aquatics Working Group is an opportunity for community members to participate in intimate "focus group" sessions to provide feedback about the City of Menlo Park's swim centers. Participants are invited to share their perspectives and gain insight into the programs and services at Burgess Pool and Belle Haven Pool. Sessions are open to all interested community members. Join us on Tuesday, July 15, from 6–7:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave. Please help us plan for the meeting by RSVPing.

RSVP for Aquatics Working Group

 

 

Women's drop-in basketball   

For women ages 18 and older. Get active and have fun with Women's Drop-In Basketball in our beautiful new gymnasium. All skill levels are welcome, whether you're a seasoned player or just looking to shoot around. Come build community, break a sweat and enjoy the game in a supportive, inclusive space. The drop-in fee is $2 per person. Join us every Tuesday from 6–8 p.m. at Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

 

Men's 3v3 basketball tournament   

Menlo Park's 3rd Annual 3v3 Men's Basketball Tournament takes place today from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Arrillaga Family Gymnasium, 600 Alma St. 3v3 is a variation of the traditional 5-on-5 game, with a faster pace and single-game elimination style, all taking place in one afternoon. Stop by and cheer on your neighbors as they compete for the championship! Special thanks to tournament sponsors Top Level Windows and Doors and Sports Basement for providing prizes.
 
Want to get involved with the basketball community at the Arrillaga Family Gymnasium? Check out our drop-in basketball hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon–2 p.m. We also host adult basketball leagues yearround. Our next league starts in September, with registration opening on Aug. 1. Team and individual sign-ups are accepted. Learn more.

 

World Cup Soccer Camp   

For children ages five–13. We're excited to announce that there are limited spots left for the upcoming World Cup Soccer Camps at Kelly Park and Burgess Park. Led by the incredible coaching team from World Cup Soccer Camps, your child will enjoy a week of skill-building, teamwork and all-out soccer fun. We hope to see your player out on the field! Register now.

Here are the remaining camp dates:

  • July 14–18
  • July 28–Aug. 1

 

Free literary and cultural programs   

These free literary and cultural programs received funding support from Friends of Menlo Park Library.

  • Summer Reading Game. The Summer Reading Game has officially started! 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.
  • Capoeira Demonstration. Join us to enjoy the music and style of capoeira on Saturday, July 12, from 1–2 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
  • Teen Mini Masterpieces. Teens ages 12–17, join us for a mini canvas painting event on Saturday, July 12, from 1–3 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
  • African Village Celebration with Baba Shibambo. Join Baba Shibambo for a fun, interactive and hands-on experience exploring the music and traditions of his Zulu homeland. Participate on Sunday, July 13, from 11–11:45 a.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
  • Mystery Readers Group. Join Menlo Park's Mystery Readers Group this month as we read translated mysteries! Participate online via Zoom on Tuesday, July 15, from 6–7:15 p.m. Learn more.
  • Teen Book Group. Teens, join us this month as we discuss Warcross by Marie Lu on Tuesday, July 15, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
  • Teen Board Game On! Participants ages 12–17 will be able to choose from a variety of board games and card games to play with friends. There will also be snacks available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participate on Saturday, July 19, from 1–3 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
  • Middle Grade Book Group. Check out our book group for kids ages six–12! This month, we're reading The Chance to Fly by Ali Stroker and Stacy Davidowitz. Join us on Saturday, July 19, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
  • Global Language Story Time: Persian. Join us for a special Persian-language storytime just for preschoolers with their grown-ups! Participate on Sunday, July 20, from 10:30–11 a.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
  • Tea and Tarot. Socialize and practice your skills reading the tarot. Although this isn't an instructional course, you can meet like-minded people who can share their tarot experiences. Join us on Sunday, July 20, from 3–4 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. 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

 

 

Join our team - work for the City of Menlo Park   

The City of Menlo Park is a great place to work! We are now accepting applications for several full-time job openings, including Recreation Coordinator. Just looking for a part-time gig? Check out our listing for Recreation Specialist – Community and Youth Programs, Child Care Teacher I/II, Program Assistant – Community Services and more! Visit the City of Menlo Park jobs page to learn about these and other great employment opportunities to serve the community.

See all City job openings