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Center- Residents, town officials and community members gathered Friday, May 1, at Casa Blanca Park to celebrate the opening of a new outdoor stage and amphitheater, marking a milestone investment in the town’s community space. 

Among those in attendance were Mayor Archie Gallegos, Town Manager Cole Webb, City Clerk Rose DeHerrera, Saguache County Commissioner Lynne Thompson, Adrian Duran, and Center Police Chief Randall Aragon, all showing their support for the project and the community gathering. 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at 4 p.m. and drew a large crowd of families, residents and local leaders eager to see the new addition officially unveiled. 

Mayor Gallegos led the ceremony, cutting the ribbon alongside Webb. Webb spoke about the long-awaited project, and how it had become a reality, 

“Many of you don’t know, but when this park was originally built, it wasn’t designed to host a stage. Over the last few years, there have been discussions about putting in a permanent stage. Since I became town manager within the last two years, we have continued to bring up the idea, and now it has finally come to fruition.” 

Mayor Gallegos also addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of the project for the town. “I would like to thank everybody for coming,” Gallegos said. “This is for the community. We have always wanted to have something for the community to enjoy.” 

The new amphitheater is designed to serve as a central location for outdoor events, performances, and community celebrations. Town officials said the project reflects ongoing efforts to expand recreational opportunities and bring residents together. 

Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed live music that filled the park as people gathered on the grass to enjoy the music and performance. The event carried a festive atmosphere, with food trucks offering a variety of options, including Mexican cuisine and barbecue. 

Children played nearby while adults visited with neighbors, highlighting the sense of community that organizers hope the amphitheater will continue to bring about, for many years to come. 

“This is something that’s really great for the community,” Gallegos said. “It gives us a place to gather. This will really bring the community together.” 

Center, located in the San Luis Valley, is known for its strong agricultural roots and close-knit community. Events like Friday’s ribbon cutting ceremony reflect the town’s continued effort to create spaces where residents can gather and celebrate local culture. 

Town leaders said they plan to use the new stage for a variety of future events, including concerts, cultural festivals and public gatherings. There have also been discussions about allowing neighboring communities to utilize space for events. 

Webb said he hopes the addition will also attract visitors from outside the area to help support the local economy. Events held at the park could encourage more activity for nearby businesses and contribute to a more vibrant community all together. 

As music continued into the evening, many residents remained in the park, dancing, visiting and enjoying the fresh weather. For many people in the community, the event represented more than just the opening of a stage. It marked a moment of growth and community pride, that town officials have said they look forward to seeing at Casa Blanca Park for years to come.