The Center for Strategic Ministry (CSM) has operated the Westside Community Center in partnership with the City of Colorado Springs since 2010. This operational contract ends May 31, 2022. Starting June 1, the center will run on a revised schedule, operating Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This will be funded by the remaining balance from the City’s 2022 operational contract.
“The City is very thankful to the staff and leadership at CSM for their 12-year commitment to the center and for their continued support through this transition,” said Kim King, recreation and administration manager for the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department.
The City is currently working to identify viable long-term options for the center. A public listening process is underway to help inform solutions for the City Administrative team to consider. The City will ultimately decide the best option, informed by resident input. District 3 councilmember Stephannie Fortune worked alongside residents to advocate for finding a way to keep the center open while a long-term plan is finalized.
The revised schedule allows current critical food services to continue, including the food pantry, Meals on Wheels and senior meals. The schedule also allows for current programming occurring within the revised hours of operation to continue. Remaining tenants have the option to offer their services within the revised operating schedule on a month-to-month basis. No new tenants will be considered during this transition time.
The first phase of the public engagement process is an online survey that is open through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 1. The survey launched April 18. More information about the public process, including a way for residents to sign up for updates, is available at ColoradoSprings.gov/WestsideCommunityCenter.