The City of Colorado Springs is inviting proposals from qualified partners to lease, purchase, or operate the former Meadows Park Community Center site for a new, community-focused use that delivers lasting public benefit for the surrounding Stratton Meadows neighborhood.
The City is seeking proposals that align with community priorities and deliver meaningful neighborhood benefits. Priorities identified through community engagement and reflected in the Request for Proposal (RFP) include youth programming, food access and basic needs support, senior and intergenerational services, health and wellness activities, workforce and educational opportunities, and flexible gathering space.
“The closure of the Meadows Park Community Center was painful, and I know how deeply this space matters to the neighbors of the center,” said Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “After the closure, we committed to working alongside the community to determine a meaningful path forward. Their thoughtful, honest feedback directly shaped the requirements in this Request for Proposal to ensure the future use of this facility aligns with their vision. This is a real opportunity to reimagine what this space can be for the neighbors and neighborhoods it serves, and I am hopeful about what’s ahead and confident we can bring new life to this center in a way that reflects the hopes and needs of the community.”
Proposals will be evaluated based on their ability to deliver public value, provide equitable and accessible use, and present a clear and viable plan for operating the facility. Submissions that do not meet these standards may not advance in the review process. The City anticipates reviewing proposals later this spring.
The RFP follows extensive community feedback from neighbors through a community survey and a neighborhood meeting, as well as the creation of a Meadows Park Solutions Team by Mayor Yemi last fall to help guide decisions about the future of the facility after it was closed due to budget reductions. The 15-member team includes City staff, City Councilmembers, neighborhood residents, and community leaders. The group reviewed community feedback and used that input to help shape recommendations for how the space could best serve the Stratton Meadows neighborhood moving forward.
The full RFP, including submission requirements and timelines, is available on the City of Colorado Springs Procurement Services website and through the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing BidNet Direct platform at www.bidnetdirect.com. All proposals must be submitted electronically through BidNet Direct by the stated deadline.