The City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) department is accepting proposals from local businesses, organizations, community partners and service providers interested in leasing space in the Westside Community Center (WCC), located in Old Colorado City.
June marked the one-year anniversary of the facility being operated by the City. The community center has thrived this year by operating as a public-private partnership, integrating feedback from residents’ recommendations through the participation process in 2022. This partnership allows for City staffing and funding while providing revenue-generating opportunities through external partners and nonprofit organizations.
Many substantial steps have been taken to respond to community feedback and to ensure the center’s success. In addition to the proposal process for leasing space, these efforts include the establishment of the Westside Community Center Working Committee, a subcommittee of the PRCS Advisory Board.
“It’s really amazing to see the space come to life through tenants, user groups, community members and other partners,” says Kim King, Assistant Director of PRCS. “We have come a long way and are proud of the responsiveness and hard work from our staff and the westside community. Together, we look forward to a vibrant and active future for the Westside Community Center campus.”
New community partners are currently using the space including the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region, Westside CARES Community Food Pantry, United Hearts Community School, and the Colorado Visiting Nurse Association Foot Care Clinic. Opportunities for new programs and additional tenants are still available.
“The community is excited and motivated as the Westside Community Center comes together,” said Justin Trudeau, WCC Working Committee Chair. “We've got great staff, great program providers, and so much potential. Our goal is to grow the center past its previous level of use.”
Proposals are currently being accepted online and in person. Forms can be picked up and dropped off during business hours at the community center or submitted to PRCS recreation manager, Mark Snow at 1401 Recreation Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80905. Businesses and organizations applying must meet specific requirements as outlined by the City and the WCC Working Committee which are identified in the proposal documents.
The WCC Working Committee is also accepting applications for new committee members. Applications are available on the website or at the community center.
Proposal documents and WCC Working Committee applications can be found at ColoradoSprings.gov/WestsideCommunityCenter.