Camp Pendleton families expressed sadness and outrage after hearing that three community centers and other facilities would be closed.
The base website and facebook pages informed followers that the Abby Reinke, San Onofre and Stuart Mesa Community Centers would be closed in September due to budget cuts.
"It is with deep regret that we must inform you of the closure of the MCCS Abby Reinke, San Onofre and Stuart Mesa Community Centers," the statement read. "The closures are due to FY13 funding cuts."
Over 100 comments posted on the various facebook pages lamented the closures.
One person wrote, "This is so upsetting that this will be taken away from families. I have been involved in karate, dance, events, etc. held at the community center. When we were new on base it was the people here that guided me into how I can be involved. All I can say is this is very sad and I think this is a huge mistake."
Others were outraged that the centers needed to be closed while a new shopping exchange and Dunkin' Donuts were recently built.
One woman who wanted to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said the programs at the Abby Reinke Community Center have been extremely helpful in keeping her son occupied while her husband is deployed to Afghanistan.
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"For him, this karate is helping him get through this one year deployment," she said. "On the days that his sister is sick and we stay home, he's always asking 'When's Daddy coming home?'"
In response to all the concerns, Community center Facebook pages said "...the majority of programs and services offered at each community center are going to continue, just in a different location around each center. Specifics are still being worked out, we should have something VERY SOON!"
Public Affairs Officers for Camp Pendleton said officials would be ready to comment on Wednesday.
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