Public input sought for Senior Center renovation project in Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- City officials are asking for public feedback as part of the process toward renovating the existing Senior Center on North Hancock Avenue.
The existing facility has been operating for 50 years, but in a 60-year-old former grocery store that is now outdated and needs significant repairs.
The center is in a shopping center on city-owned property known as Golf Acres, and officials are currently deciding whether the renovated center will remain in its current location or elsewhere on the property.
"(It) would allow for some additional programming," said Ryan Trujillo, the city's deputy chief of staff. "We've worked with our partner, the YMCA, in terms of some additional needs for programming, so we're evaluating those as well, for that additional space. The Senior Center has over 20 programs a day -- everything from line dances, to lunches, to learning computer skills and things along those lines."
Officials have acquired $8 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, although the project's budget has yet to be finalized; it will increase the size of the facility from 17,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet.
A larger facility is needed partly because of the expected future growth of the senior population.
Officials have scheduled a neighborhood meeting from 6:30 pm until 7:30 p.m. at the center, located at 1514 North Hancock Avenue.
A community survey also is available through Oct. 11. To see the survey, click here: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/3d706272571541d0b7e753c4cd7da4c1.
Seniors who regularly visit the center reflected on the upcoming changes Wednesday.
“I’m very concerned about our new building because I don’t know where our classes are going at this time," said Beverly Seabold.
Barbara Cremans hopes that the renovation will remove the automatic sliding door at the entrance.
"That noise drives me crazy when I sit there," she said. "The door opens and closes every time someone gets near it. I think they could make a different-type entrance to the building."
John Lopez is keeping an open mind about the project.
“I can’t wait," he said. "I’m really curious as to how it’s going to look. I’m happy with this place, but the new one could be good."
