City, residents discuss ways to keep community centers open

About 50 people attended the first of four meetings Wednesday to brainstorm ideas and possible partnerships to keep city community centers open this year after their funding runs out March 31.

The meeting at the Westside Community Center on West Bijou Street started with a flurry of questions but shifted into the sharing of ideas, including using volunteer staff and charging memberships.

“It’s a starting point,” said Councilman Sean Paige, who is spearheading the effort. “It’s a matter of spreading the word and bringing more partners.”

The remaining three meetings, which are open to the public and run from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., are:

• Jan. 19, Hillside Community Center, 925 S. Institute St.

• Jan. 20, Deerfield Hills Community Center, 4290 Deerfield Hills Road

• Jan. 27, Meadows Park Community Center, 1943 S. El Paso Ave.