The City of Fort Collins Recreation Department celebrated the Senior Center’s $6.8 million dollar expansion on July 10. The Fort Collins Senior Center at 1200 Raintree Drive has been under construction since October 2013. The upgraded facility features increased health and wellness opportunities as well as a new auditorium and social space. Many sections of the Senior Center remain intact including the front canopy a shown here. A new lobby area greets visitors with lots of information on future events by the Senior and Recreation Centers. Additional parking has been added to the front and backside of the Senior Center.
The original Senior Center was constructed in 1975 at a different location on Mountain Ave. After voter approval in 1988, a new Senior Center facility with 40,000 square feet was built in 1998 at the present location on Raintree Ave. A new gymnasium, fitness room, multiple class rooms, large auditorium, and swimming pool were included. Since then, thousands of visitors have attended many classes and events at the center.
The new expansion of 18,600 sq. ft. provides a total of 58,600 sq. ft. of space. New administration offices, Windflower activity room, upstairs bathroom, 2,000 plus square foot weight cardio room, 2,000 plus square foot fitness and dance studio, wellness area with several classrooms, front lobby and social area with a new patio area, two new conference rooms, and a stadium style theatre are included in the new expansion.
The new health and wellness wing is home to a unique commu- nity health partnership between the Recreation Dept., Columbine Health Systems, and University of Colorado Health. This partnership allows the Recreation Dept. to increase service levels and offer more health and wellness related pro- gramming. Two new conference rooms with seating for 55 people each were added including a nice auditorium theatre for 120 people, which can be used for live streaming events in partnership with the Senior Learning Network. A preview of the Senior Learning Network live streaming demonstra- tion with the FDR Library in New York was shown in June.
The grand opening festivities included comments from city dignitaries Mayor Karen Weitkunat, Mayor Pro Tem Gerry Horak, and City Manager Darin Atteberry. Afterwards, Linda Hopkins, President of the Senior Center Expansion Committee (left), Peggy McGough, Treasurer of the Senior Center Expansion Committee (center) and Mayor Karen Weitkunat participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony as shown here. Over 300 people attended the grand opening ceremony.
Tours of the facility were provided and visitors were welcome to participate in three days of free recreation programs and activities at the Senior Center. Community members are invited to experience the new Senior Center’s expanded programs and opportunities. by visiting their website at www.fcgov.com/seniorcenter or call (970) 221-6644.