A west Phoenix center that serves tens of thousands of residents could close its doors in April because the city doesn’t have enough money to operate it.

The Desert West Community Center located on 67th and Encanto in Phoenix is one of five large community centers on the list to close to help balance the city’s $241 million budget deficit, Parks and Recreations Spokesman David Urbinato said.

Fifteen smaller centers throughout the city are also proposed for closing, Urbinato said.
“The centers are heavily used, and the impact will be felt regularly by the people who use these centers,” Urbinato added.

Overall, city officials are proposing to cut $680,000 from community centers and after-school programs. The city will have a series of public meetings where the City Council will then vote on the final budget on March 2. The cuts will take effect April 5.

Maryvale High School student Jorge Lopez has been going to the Desert West Community Center since he was 3 and has been volunteering at the center for three years.

“The more money we lose for the center, it will not have as much enjoyment as it used to,” Lopez said, who also plays for the basketball league at Desert West.

Lopez also said that he is concerned for the younger children that use this facility.
“Their probably not going to have the chance to register for classes,” said Lopez, 16, “and the increase of kids in the streets will rise.”

The community center has been providing recreational, educational and social activities for all ages since 1989. Such activities include ceramics, dance, music, sports and activities for senior citizens. This center has two full-court lit basketball courts, lit sand and cement volleyball courts, lit tennis courts, racquetball courts, and a skate park. Throughout the center’s fiscal year, which is July through January, they have approximately 25,000 people come through to the center for its services.

Jorge’s father, Jesus Lopez, whose three other children also participate in the sports and activities at Desert West, said it is sad that some activities have already been taken away.

Lopez was a coach for the baseball league once offered by the community center and is worried about the cutting of more activities. In addition, Jesus’ wife once worked at the center as a recreational aid.

“This facility is a good accomplishment,” Lopez added.

Lopez’ eldest son, also named Jesus, is now a basketball coach and referee at the center.
Jesus Jr., a student at Glendale Community College, started out volunteering and playing basketball like his younger brother Jorge.

“The center should not close because that’s where most of the kids go when they have nowhere else to go,” Lopez said.

Jesus Lopez Sr. said Desert West Community Center is not only important to his family but also other parents.

“This is ours, this is our park,” said Lopez, “As parents, our life is for our kids.”