Tulsans Working To Fill Gap Of Community Center Closures

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Citizens are working to fill the gap when Tulsa closes seven of its community centers this weekend. 

Closing those centers will mean hundreds of children will have no other place to go. There are fundraising efforts going on as well as alternative programs that might help.

A new father himself, Paul Ross says he was saddened to hear that budget cuts will force the closure of the community centers. 

"If we can't take care of our children, then what have we done? What have we done here really," asked Paul Ross, Paul Ross Enterprises.

So Paul, who manages a public relations and marketing firm, started making some calls. He says he quickly received more than $8,000 in pledges from just friends and relatives, and he's just getting started.

"I think it's very important to be fiscally responsible, but what I think is more important is social responsibility," said Ross.

The Tulsa Parks Department says even with donations, it's not feasible to keep the community centers open. But the money could be given to the private groups that run the centers, and until now, were subsidized by the city. Many hope to continue their programs in new locations.

At the Tulsa Dream Center, employees are already launching programs modeled after the ones offered at the community centers. 

"We just want to do everything we can to fill that gap," said Michael Pansano, Tulsa Dream Center.

After learning of the financial problems facing the centers, Pansano immediately organized the North Tulsa Dream league. Basketball teams made up of kids from area schools began scrimmaging last week, and games start soon.

"It's just exciting to see the kids involved and out doing things, and knowing they're not getting in trouble and doing things they're not supposed to do," said Pansano.

So while community centers may be shutting down, there will still be options for kids displaced by the closures. 

Anyone who would like to donate money to keep the community centers open can contact Paul Ross Enterprises at (918) 295-7989.

2/23/2010  Related Story: Tulsa Parks Department Looks At Selling Parks To Cut Budget