Gold Hill Theater closes in Woodland Park: Community members sad to see a long-time staple go

WOODLAND PARK, Colo. (KRDO)-- A long-time staple in Woodland Park is closing its doors.

Gold Hill Theater is the only place to go and watch a movie in Woodland Park. The theater made the announcement that it would be closing on social media Wednesday afternoon and although many residents said they had a feeling this news was coming, it's still heartbreaking.

The 'City Above the Clouds' looked a little different on Wednesday, as a new sign hung on the door of the Gold Hill Theater. It reads "It's with a very heavy heart that we announce the temporary closure of Gold Hill Theaters." Since noon on Wednesday, workers in the area said they've been getting several questions about the recent closing.

"People have been peaking around. It's been kind of the rumor for a month or so, but we are sad to see it go. People do come in and ask you know like 'Hey what's going on'," said Roman Zellerino, Head Chef for Sam's Gyros and Kabobs.

Zellerino said apparently the owners of the theater had already scaled back business hours to be closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and tried to make up for it with free Friday nights for kids.

"And they do also like older movies. It's just a nice place for the community. You don't have to drive all the way down the pass, you know," said Zellerino.

Now that it's closed, Zellerino said he knows many people will feel like they've lost a part of the community.

"I mean obviously I work next door and it's nice because it brings a crowd to us too. You know people get out of a movie or they get here around 7 p.m. to go to the early movie and come in and have dinner. It's a nice dinner and a movie, you're here in the same place, and it's a nice place to be," added Zellerino.

For now, community members said they remain hopeful the theater might reopen its doors again.