Several Tulsa Community Centers To Close Due To Budget Cuts

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- A number of community centers are set to become the latest victim of budget cuts. 

The community center at Owen Park, Edison and Easton Place, will be closed at the end of February. 

Six other centers will also be shut down, and residents say it will have a devastating effect on their communities.

They are already packing up boxes at the Pepco Center at Ben Hill Park. It's one of the seven community centers on the chopping block.

"I feel this is something that can be avoided. I'm sure you'll get a different opinion from the city," said Ella Suttle, Pepco Center of Tulsa.

The center, which hosts basketball leagues for the area's youth, and offers programs for the elderly, is run by Pepco. It is subsidized by the city, but the budget crisis means that funding will be cut off at the end of February.

"I'd hate to see the programs fall by the wayside. I think if we give up, that's what's going to happen. But we have faced many adversities, and we still come out on our feet," said Ella Suttle, Pepco Center of Tulsa.

Five of the other centers being shut down are also run by private companies with the help of the city. 

Another that will close its doors, Owen Park, is entirely staffed by city employees. Residents in that neighborhood are scrambling to save their center, and met to brainstorm Monday night.

"There was a lot of emotion there, a lot of sentiment. The Owen Park residents themselves are a little frustrated," said Tim Kassen, Owen Park Neighborhood Association.

"So it's sad, but there was just no other way," said Bob Hendrick, Tulsa Parks and Recreation Department. 

The Parks Department says the move is unfortunate, but at this point there are no other alternatives.

"Nobody wants to cut back. We want to grow and flourish and keep adding more programs," said Bob Hendrick, Tulsa Parks and Recreation Department.

At the Pepco Center, they are trying to enjoy the final few weeks of fellowship, but vow to continue at a new location.

"We're not going to quit. Regardless of what they throw at us, we're not going to quit. We're going to stay and fight as long as it takes whether we're in this building or somewhere else," said Ella Suttle, Pepco Center of Tulsa.

The community centers say they are now turning to private donors. They hope a last-minute donation can still save facilities.

Community Centers Closing:

• Owen Park – 560 N Maybelle Ave
• Franklin Park – 1818 E Virgin St
• Ben Hill Park – 210 E Latimer Pl
• Manion Park – 3003 E 56th St
• Maxwell Park – 1313 N Canton Ave
• Springdale Park – Pine and Lewis
• Zeigler Park – 4th St and S 41st W Ave