NEWS
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Senior Center Groundbreaking Ceremony on April 24
Sunnyvale, CA (04/10/02) – On April 24 from 2:00 -
4:00 p.m. the City of Sunnyvale will break ground on a brand new Senior Center. The public is invited to join the
groundbreaking ceremony, which will be held at the new Senior Center site on
the Community Center campus, 550 E. Remington Drive.
"This is going to be a first-class structure
that will serve the needs of our increasing senior population well into the
future," said John Hopkins, Assistant Director of Public Works. "It
will provide larger space that is far more usable, attractive, inviting,
accessible, and safe for senior programs."
The new 23,000 square foot, one-story facility will
take about 12 months to build, and is expected to be open next spring. The
facility will boast such features as a beautiful multipurpose room with a
stage, adjacent patio, and a magnificent view overlooking the pond. It will also include health and counseling
facilities, reception and lounging areas, and six activity rooms for a wide
range of senior programs.
The plans were designed based on feedback from
almost 400 seniors, a Senior Center Advisory Committee representing a
cross-section of older adults in Sunnyvale, and other members of the
public. They identified fitness and
health, lifelong learning, and nutrition as the highest priorities for the
center, and emphasized that the new facility needs to be flexible to
accommodate a variety of programs.
"A center such as this encourages socialization
among older adults and provides activities for their physical well-being as
well as enjoyable and satisfying recreational opportunities," said John
Lawrence, Leisure Services Manager.
"The Senior Center will also be wired to help meet the high demand
for computer classes and to keep seniors connected with the latest
technology."
In preparation for the expanded operations at the
new Senior Center, the City began expanding programs last year. These included
volunteer programs, health-related activities (like nutrition classes, health
screenings, and exercise and fitness programs), trips and excursions, computer
instruction, art, theater, and dances. Until the new Senior Center opens,
activities for residents ages 50 and up will continue at the current Senior
Center, on McKinley. Sunnyvale has
provided leisure and recreation services for seniors since 1958.
The Manet street entrance to the Community Center
will be closed during construction, but the entrances on Michelangelo will
remain open. For more information about
the groundbreaking ceremony or new Senior Center, please call 730-7360, or view
design plans on the City's website at http://www.ci.sunnyvale.ca.us/leisure-services/activities/older-adults/center.htm. Directions to the Community Center are
available by calling 730-7350.
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