Community center backers plead for more money

The planned closures of community centers and swimming pools will eventually affect every resident in Colorado Springs, predicted the chairman of a new organization fighting to keep four community centers open.  

“The doors will close on our children, our youth, the elderly and our veterans,” warned Eric Phillips, chairman of the Community Center Task Force. “During a time of recession, the worst thing you can do is take away a person’s hope, and this is taking away their hope.”

Phillips was one of about 20 people at a rally Tuesday on the steps of City Hall. They talked about their efforts to raise money to keep local recreational facilities from closing.

Holding signs and shivering in the brisk breeze, they included members of the Friends of Cheyenne Canon, Friends of Aquatics, My Community Investment Campaign, the Old Colorado City Historical Society, and Rock Ledge Ranch.  

City Councilman Sean Paige, who is heading the fund-raising effort, warned that although progress has been made, more money is needed. “We need more people to step up to the plate.”

City officials have said that four community centers will close by March 31 unless funding can be found. They include the Deerfield Hills Community Center, Hillside Community Center, Meadows Park Community Center and Westside Community Center.

Paige acknowledged that large donors will be needed to keep the facilities open on a permanent basis. “We’re building a bridge. By this time next year, hopefully, other partners will come in.”

The Westside Community Centerr has received $3,480 in contributions and has two grants pending, said Dave Hughes, president of the Old Colorado City Historical Center. Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site has received $40,000 and needs another $44,000, said Ron Wright, president of the Rock Ledge Ranch Living History Association, which is raising money for the ranch.

Angela Dougan, who heads up My Community Investment Campaign, said her organization has received about $4,000 in donations. The advantage to contributing to that organization, she said, is that individuals can specify where and how they want the money spent.

Deb Barry, who heads Friends of Aquatics, said her organization hopes to raise $200,000 to keep swimming facilities open at Memorial Park, Cottonwood Creek Recreation Center and the Wilson Ranch Pool.

Each of the four community centers sees an average of 43,800 to 68,500 visitors annually. The swimming facilities are used collectively by more than 250,000 residents.

To learn more about the organizations or make contributions, go to www.cctfsprings.org, www.ppcf.org, history.oldcolo.com, tfocc.org, or rockledgeranch.com.