Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton proposes new $24 million senior center

Originally published by WEKU.

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton’s proposed budget for fiscal year ’25 includes $24 million for a new senior center that would be built near the fire station at Shillito Park. Kristy Stambaugh is the city’s director of Aging and Disability Services. She said the new satellite center – Lexington’s fourth, along with the main center on Life Lane – is needed for several reasons.

“Before COVID, we were averaging almost 400 people a day. And we’re close to that again. Oftentimes, we’ve reached capacity in our group fitness classes, and our art classes, we always have a waiting list.”

Stambaugh said last year, the city council set aside $1.4 million for the design phase of the 25-thousand square foot senior center, which she says would fill geographical and other needs.

“The uniqueness of this center, which is so exciting, is it’s not only going to be for seniors, but it’s also going to be for the Parks and Recreation’s Therapeutic Recreation Program, which are programs designed for people of all ages with disabilities.”

Stambaugh said Lexington’s senior centers are free to Fayette County residents 60 and older.

** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.

Originally published by WEKU.

Republished with permission.

https://www.weku.org/lexington-richmond/2024-04-17/lexington-mayor-linda-gorton-proposes-new-24-million-senior-center