The City of Lexington is expanding its offerings to seniors and those with disabilities. It comes with the construction of a new Senior and Therapeutic Recreation Center.
The reality is that Lexington is aging, the central Kentucky town and the people in it. During Friday’s groundbreaking ceremony Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said those 55 and over represent about a quarter of all residents. Cookie Dungan said she’s within easy walking distance and plans to visit about every day. She’s familiar with current senior offerings.
“I always like the classes they have. They have the best staff and its just a fun place to be and staying healthy is what I want to do,” said Dungan.
Plans call for a 26,000 square foot facility within Shillito Park with an opening scheduled in 2026. City staff members from the Division of Aging and Disability Services will supervise programming for seniors. Staff in Parks and Rec will oversee programming in Therapeutic Recreation. Jill Farmer, in Parks, said it will be an expanded offering to what’s seen at 20 other parks and facilities.
“So, we’ll offer everything from your standard fitness programs to socialization programs, art programs. We’re going to revive our wheelchair sports programs…like wheelchair basketball..wheelchair rugby,” said Farmer.
Council Member Whitney Baxter, whose district includes Shillito Park, said the dual-purpose facility will serve as a model of excellence and be an inclusive place for people to gather for enriching education, socialization, exercise, recreation, and information.
Division of Aging and Disability Services Director Kristy Stambaugh said there’s a recognition that the needs of participants are constantly evolving.
“This is gonna have a few activities here that we can’t do at Life Lane like indoor archery and heavy bags and indoor pickleball and the opportunity for wheelchair athletics and senior sports,” said Stambaugh.
Life Lane is where another senior center is located off Richmond Road. The facility in southwest Lexington, which will serve seniors and the disabled, has been in the works since 2021.
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