Dear Editor:
I’ve been in a fair number of senior center buildings over the years, both in and out of Michigan, but mostly in Oakland County or nearby.
No one is like the other and they have ranged from super spectacular state-of-the-art, to former elementary schools or renovated homes.
When visiting such facilities, I tend to focus on the physical structure and setting first, and then on the people and the activities they are involved in.
Seniors tend to be very serious about their individual and collective activities and they know how to have a good time. They are also very friendly, and warmly welcome fellow seniors such as myself.
Physical elements are extremely important in order to attract and maintain the involvement of older citizens. Paramount is a convenient location with adequate parking, an attractive setting, a ground level building with barrier-free access, well designed and comfortable rooms, and other interior features are very important.
The present Independence Township Senior Activity Center in Clintonwood Park is normally filled with older adults enjoying each other’s company while eatring lunch, playing cards or table games, doing crafts or just visiting in the old farm house.
Next door, in the small carriage house, others gather for exercise, band practice, travel shows, meetings and other special events.
Unfortunately there are severe limitations in what an outstanding staff and volunteers can do to serve the needs of the seniors who would like to become involved.
Our center is too old, too small, with not enough meetings and activity rooms. Utilities need upgrading and even with major renovations, the old farm house would not meet the needs of increasing numbers of township seniors.
In addition, parking space is severely limited, forcing many with limited mobility to park away from the center.
The good news is township citizens have the opportunity to ‘vote yes twice? on Nov. 7 for a new larger, well-designed Senior/Adult Activity Center on land provided by the Clarkston Community Schools next to the township library.
Your two ‘yes? votes will build a modern center, centrally located, provide for maintenance, allow for expansion of senior programs and provide for physically and mentally challenged adults not currently being served.
Don Place
Independence Township