Colorado Springs to shut community center as $31 million gap widens

By Brennen Kauffman | The Gazette

Colorado Springs will be closing Meadows Park Community Center in the next month and cutting 38 employees immediately in order to reduce the city’s budget heading into 2026.

Mayor Yemi Mobolade announced the series of cuts Friday afternoon to address what is projected to be a $31 million shortfall in the city’s upcoming budget.

“These measures will ensure we are delivering for residents while also committing ourselves to fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget. This city has been doing government efficiency for years, it’s not new to us,” Mobolade said.

Meadows Park Community Center is one of four community centers run by the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department. Parks Director Britt Haley said in a statement the center was chosen because of “declining programming” and the other options available in the area south of downtown Colorado Springs.

“Closing a long-standing community center is never easy, and we understand the emotional connection many residents have to Meadows Park,” Haley said.

The Meadows Park closure is scheduled to take effect Oct. 10. Closing the building is expected to save the city around $775,000, according to the announcement.

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