Title
An Overview of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Community Center Operations
Presenter:
Kim King, Recreation and Administration Manager
Britt Haley, Acting Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director
Body
Summary:
During the past two years, the community center operations overseen by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department have received a great deal of attention due to the Request For Proposal (RFP) activity surrounding the Westside Community Center. With the successful conclusion of a community engagement process, a new operational model for the Westside Center is being put in place effective September 1, 2022. With the operation of the Westside Center under a new format, it seemed appropriate at this time to provide an overview of all four community centers currently operated by the Parks Department.
Background:
The Parks Department has four community centers located in areas impacted by marginalized socioeconomic conditions with each center striving to effectively develop creative solutions to improve the quality of life in their respective neighborhoods. Unique partnerships between neighborhood associations, private businesses, non-profit agencies, churches, schools, and military installations allow the centers to create an unparalleled environment for learning, recreation, and personal growth for youth, families, the elderly, and those with disabilities. While each community center has its own personality and unique space, all the centers are considered places that strengthen their respective neighborhoods as well as the larger community. The following provides additional information illustrating the characteristics of each site.
When the privately built and operated Deerfield Hills Community Center began to falter in the 1970's, the City of Colorado Springs acquired the building and began development of the City's first true community center. Situated in the heart of the Deerfield Hills neighborhood...
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