More than 100 passionate west-side residents begged Denver officials Thursday night not to mess with a recreation center that’s considered the heart of the community.
Young and old, some angry and some fighting back tears, showed up for a meeting at the Denver Inner City Parish to discuss ways to try to preserve the nearby La Alma Recreation Center, just southwest of downtown at 1325 W. 11th Ave.
Faced with a $120 million deficit, the city is considering privatizing part of La Alma, while having the parks department oversee and improve the pool.
“Privatizing La Alma is like blowing out a candle,” said neighborhood resident Chris Medina. “It is more than a neighborhood rec center. It is my home.”
The neighborhood feels pummeled by the city, not only because of the rec center issue but also by a proposal to close Byers Library on Santa Fe Drive because of lack of use.
Lynn Bartels, The Denver Post
