Southside Neighbors Fight to Save Quincie Douglas Center from Budget Cuts

Community members urge city council to keep the vital neighborhood hub open as budget proposals threaten closure.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:25am

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A serene, cinematic painting of the exterior of a single-story community center building with warm, golden sunlight streaming through the windows and casting long shadows across the facade, capturing the nostalgic, neighborhood feel of the Quincie Douglas Center.The Quincie Douglas Center, a beloved community hub on Tucson's Southside, faces an uncertain future as budget cuts threaten to shutter neighborhood recreation centers.Tucson Today

The future of the Quincie Douglas Center, a beloved community hub on Tucson's Southside, is in jeopardy as the city council considers budget cuts that could shutter several neighborhood recreation centers. Community members are mobilizing to attend the upcoming council meeting on April 21 to advocate for keeping the Quincie Douglas Center open, which serves as a gathering place for youth programs, senior activities, cultural events, and more.

Why it matters

The potential closure of the Quincie Douglas Center would be a major loss for the surrounding Southside and South Tucson neighborhoods, which rely on the center as a vital community anchor providing essential services and programming. With budget cuts threatening to consolidate recreation centers into larger regional hubs, residents fear losing the accessibility and community-focused nature of neighborhood centers like Quincie Douglas.

The details

A draft city budget proposal includes millions in cuts to the Parks and Recreation department, which would merge services into just six regional centers - one per city ward. This would mean the closure of several neighborhood recreation centers, including the Quincie Douglas Center. The Quincie Douglas Center has long served as a hub for families in the surrounding South Park, Las Vistas, Western Hills and Pueblo Gardens neighborhoods, hosting a variety of community events, youth programs, senior activities, and cultural classes.

  • The city council will weigh the proposed budget cuts at their meeting on April 21, 2026.
  • The city will host in-person information sessions on the recommended fiscal year 2027 budget on April 23, April 28, and April 30.

The players

Quincie Douglas Center

A neighborhood recreation center in Tucson's Southside that serves as a vital community hub, hosting youth programs, senior activities, cultural events, and more.

Robin McArdle

A former Parks and Recreation employee of nearly 40 years who says the potential closure of the Quincie Douglas Center is alarming.

Selina Barajas

The Ward 5 Council Member who believes investing in accessible, affordable, and intergenerational gathering spaces like the Quincie Douglas Center is a priority.

Regina Romero

The Mayor of Tucson who announced the city will host in-person information sessions on the recommended fiscal year 2027 budget.

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What they’re saying

“There's absolutely no fathoming that.”

— Robin McArdle, Former Parks and Recreation employee

“City spaces like the Quincie Douglas Center are more than just places to gather, they are anchors for connection, growth, and opportunity. They serve as vital hubs where young people build confidence, families access resources, and neighbors come together to shape the future of their community.”

— Selina Barajas, Ward 5 Council Member

What’s next

City council will weigh the proposed budget cuts, including the potential closure of the Quincie Douglas Center, at their meeting on April 21, 2026. Community members are expected to attend the meeting to advocate for keeping the center open.

The takeaway

The fight to save the Quincie Douglas Center highlights the vital role that neighborhood recreation centers play in providing essential services and fostering community connection, especially in underserved areas. The potential closure of this beloved hub would be a major loss for the Southside and South Tucson neighborhoods that rely on it, underscoring the importance of investing in accessible, affordable public spaces that serve as anchors for local communities.