COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department (parks department) had been seeking a new operator for the Westside Community Center through its established procurement process since November 2020. On Friday, July 2, the department announced it was unable to come to a mutual agreement during its most recent negotiation with the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region, which was one of two proposals received, to transfer operation of the center from The Center for Strategic Ministry (CSM) starting Jan. 1, 2022. The parks department is not planning to reopen the current request for proposal (RFP) at this time.
The other, top-ranked proposal was from Mountain Song Community School; however, they were unable to proceed through the process per an agreement with Colorado Springs School District 11. The proposals received were evaluated by a team of individuals representing multiple facets of the community. This committee included residents from the Westside community, as well as representatives from City Council, the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Board and the parks department.
“We appreciate the effort put forth by the organizations who submitted proposals, but, naturally, we are disappointed that we weren’t able to come to a mutual agreement through this process,” said Kim King, Recreation and Administration Manager. “The parks department is committed to continued operations that benefit the Westside community, and we anticipate further dialogue with the current operator regarding a path forward.”
The goals of the request for proposal were to secure a financially stable entity that will effectively manage, operate and maintain the Westside Community Center; to have the Westside Community Center support and foster activities that will provide beneficial services to the Westside neighborhood as well as the community as a whole; and to reduce the level of maintenance and capital demands upon the City by including a viable capital improvement program for the facility.
At this time, the CSM will continue to operate the center through the end of this year.
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