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February 14, 2026

Quote of the week

"A child said What is the grass? fetching it to me with full hands;
How could I answer the child? I do not know what it is any more than he.
I guess it must be the flag of my disposition, out of hopeful green stuff woven..."

– Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass

Spring Break Camp at Burgess Pool

Camp Menlo Swim is back for Spring Break at Burgess Pool! Join Menlo Swim & Sport for a week of fun and learning. For ages five–12, campers will receive a 30-minute lesson tailored to their skill level. All levels of water comfort are welcome. Campers will also enjoy activities such as open swim, field games and creative crafts. By the end of the week, they'll have gained new skills, friendships and lasting memories! Spring Break Camp runs from April 6–10 at Burgess Pool from 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Registration is open now! Interested in Summer Camps? Learn more.

Spring Adult Softball is back – registration open

Get out on the grass for our Spring Adult Softball League! Our leagues are open to all skill levels, so come join us out on the softball diamond, make some new friends, throw the ball around and have fun! Games will take place at Nealon Park from March 23–May 28. The Co-ed League is on Monday evenings and the Men's League is on Wednesday evenings. Team and free agent registration is open now.

Tea and Tarot is in your future

What do the leaves say? Join us for tea and conversation around the tarot deck. Tea is provided, but it’s bring your own tarot deck! Participate on Sunday, Feb. 15, from 3–4 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

Youth summer camps

Keep your child active, engaged and learning this summer at a City of Menlo Park youth summer camp! The City hosts a variety of specialty camps, including sports, dance, crafts, STEM and more, featuring fun activities that support literacy, social growth and physical development.

Enroll in a Summer Camp

Community Fun Run registration opens Tuesday

Whether you're a seasoned runner, a dedicated walker or just looking for a fun outdoor event, join us for our 2026K Community Fun Run — a 6-kilometer course that will start at Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave., and lead participants through trails amid the grassy landscape of Bedwell Bayfront Park. The run will take place on Saturday, April 25, from 9–11 a.m. Registration opens on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Learn more.

Apply now for the Community Funding Program

The City of Menlo Park is accepting applications for its Community Funding Program, which supports eligible community organizations and nonprofit agencies addressing local human service needs. Funding is available for basic services, community enrichment and community health programs. Using the City's Community Funding Policy, the City Council will allocate limited resources to priority community needs. Submitting an application does not guarantee funding. Applications are due by Thursday, March 5. Learn more.

Lunar New Year celebration

Join us to celebrate Lunar New Year with an extraordinarily colorful lion dance show! This free event will take place on Thursday, Feb. 19, from 5:30–7 p.m. at the Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave. Light refreshments will be provided, but quantities are limited. Learn more.

Presidents Day Closure this Monday

City offices are closed in observance of Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 16. Learn more.

Gymnastics Center reopening

We are happy to announce that the Arrillaga Family Gymnastics Center has been cleared to re-open for the winter session on Wednesday, Feb. 18. We appreciate the understanding and flexibility that the gymnastics and broader community have shown while we repaired flood damage. For those already enrolled in the winter session, classes will resume at the Arrillaga Family Gymnastics Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18. Gymnastics staff are available to help with any questions at 650-330-2224.

Note: The City Hall parking lot will be closed for construction starting Monday, Feb. 16. Learn more.

Kelly Field and City Hall parking lot closures

The parking lot at Kelly Field (100 Terminal Ave.) and the lot between City Hall and the Arrillaga Family Gymnastics Center (510 Laurel St.) are closed for solar photovoltaic construction. We encourage carpooling or public transportation during construction due to limited parking. Learn more.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine’s Day from us to you! Treat yourself to something that will sweeten your day today. Grab your library card because we’ve got all the resources you need to make the day special, including:

• Curated lists of romantic reads
• Recipes from around the world for delicious candlelight dinners
• Valentine's Day-themed arts and crafts tutorials
• Museum passes for the art and history lovers
• State park passes to explore the outdoors with your dearest
• And romantic movies to curl up on the couch and watch

Now hiring Recreation Specialists for summer camps!

Looking for a fun job this summer? The City of Menlo Park is now hiring summer camp counselors (ages 18 and older). Recreation Specialists will supervise and engage children in games and activities in a safe, welcoming, summer camp environment! Hourly pay is from $19.29–$23.02. See full details and apply now.

Free academic success courses (grades six–12)

This series offers free academic success workshops designed to help middle and high school students build the skills needed to excel in high school, college and beyond. Sign up to reserve your spot. Join us on select Tuesdays from 4:30–6 p.m. at Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave.

• Feb. 24 – Backpack and binder organization and note-taking. Sign up.
• March 10 and March 24 – Asking questions, communication and instant vs. delayed gratification. Sign up.

More free literary and cultural programs 

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

• Mystery Readers Group: Midwest Mysteries. What is "Midwest Nice," after all? Check out some mysteries set in the Midwest with our Mystery Readers Book Group online via Zoom on Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 6–7:15 p.m. Learn more.
• Ultimate Book Group Crossover. Menlo Park Library's Teen Book Group and Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Group team up to discuss Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire in this special session. Join us in person or online via Zoom on Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
• Author Visit. Join us at the Belle Haven Children's Library for a special afternoon with Free the Curls author Marissa McGee! Marissa will be reading her book and signing copies. Participate on Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
• Middle Grade Book Group. Check out our book group, just for kids ages six–12! Join us to discuss this month's book, The Vanquishers by Kalynn Bayron, on Thursday, Feb. 19, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave., or on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St.
• Create Cut-Paper Animal Art. Adults and youth (ages 6 and older): Celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Horse with some scissors, glue and imagination, too! Participate on Thursday, Feb. 19, from 2–3 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
• Cascada de Flores Celebrates Mexico. Enjoy live music with the celebrated Cascada de Flores quartet! Join us on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 1–2 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
• Library Makes. Join us for an afternoon crafting in the Makerspace! Participate on Saturdays from Feb. 14–March 14 from 2–3:30 p.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