Numbers rise for Westside Center’s 2nd picnic
 The Station 3 fire truck (parked outside the Westside Community Center in the 1600 block of Bijou Street) was a hit with the young of heart at the center's second annual picnic Aug. 18. Westside Pioneer photo
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Not sure how big a crowd there'd be, the center planned for 150 - only to have that many on hand before the three-hour event's halfway point, leading to a near-shortage of food. The eventual total reached about 250.
So to be on the safe side for the second annual picnic Aug. 18, Aundrea Fuller, the center's marketing coordinator, planned for at least 300 people.
Which was good thinking, as it turned out, because that's about how many showed up, by her estimates. “It was a great turnout,” Fuller summarized. “Everything went very smoothly, and the weather cooperated, with only a little sprinkle.”
Activities were spread around the former Buena Vista school complex, consisting of 2.8 acres at 1628 W. Bijou St.
Near the community garden and playground was the food line, with barbecued hotdogs, side dishes and beverages provided by the Woodmen Valley Chapel's community outreach arm, ACTS (A Call to Serve). Since 2010, Woodmen has had a lease agreement with Colorado Springs Parks to operate the center.
Most of the activities were in the grassy, tree-shaded area along Bijou. These included games such as football or beanbag tosses, “fishing” over a partition and “bowling” to knock over inflated pins; demonstrations by groups such as the Yosakoi (Japanese festival dancing) and Colorado Infinity Athletics (gymnastics); and entertainment by musicians who attend the weekly jam sessions at the center organized by the Black Rose Acoustic Society.
Also popular were the El Paso County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol (two of its officers on horseback) and a truck from Fire Station 3.
Three local elected officials attended: Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers, Councilmember Bill Murray and County Commissioner Stan VanderWerf, whose District 3 includes the Westside.
Roughly 20 booths, representing local businesses and nonprofits (some associated with the center), were set up.
Open Monday through Friday and most week nights, the Westside Community Center presents a broad spectrum of programs and classes - some free, some with a cost. There's also a preschool, and buses bring in students from Buena Vista and West elementaries for YMCA after-school activities during the school year.
For more information, call 385-720 x100.
Westside Pioneer article