Guests enjoy the updated space for the grand opening of the Senior Center inside the Troy Community Center.
By: Sarah Wright | Troy Times | Published October 16, 2024
TROY — The Senior Dining Room in the Troy Community Center has recently been revamped into the Troy Senior Center.
In September 2022, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution for American Rescue Plan Act funding to support the Oakland Together Senior Initiatives. Troy’s Recreation Department was awarded $250,000 through the program, which allowed for a sign labeling Room 402/402A in the Community Center as the “Senior Center,” along with the purchase of new furniture, updated lighting, blinds, new paint, carpets, hardwood flooring in some spaces, acoustic paneling for the walls and a smart TV for program usage. A “book nook” area that would allow for people to stay, relax and read was also created.
“It’s very rewarding to see a project that’s been in the works for two years finally come to fruition,” Troy Assistant Recreation Director Allyson Leach said in a press release. “It’s fantastic for both community members and Recreation Department staff to have a dedicated space for seniors to enjoy specialized programming.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony and open house was held on Thursday, Oct. 10, to celebrate the newly renovated Senior Center.
“Our City Council has been really focused on trying to make sure all of your voices are heard as it relates to this Community Center and Senior Center, and I thought about it on the way here,” Mayor Ethan Baker said. “For about 15 years, there’s been some interesting things going on with our city government. Obviously, there was the Great Recession, which changed things and how things are funded in this facility, and we had some corruption in City Hall, which then filtered down to our employees. … So things have been a little difficult, but now I think we’re finally turning the page back to a good, positive place, especially as it relates to our Community Center.”
Friends of Troy Seniors representative Bill Rhodes said he has thought about what his favorite part of the renovation is.
“There is so much to choose from. It could be the amazing new tables and chairs that can be configured a million ways or the sitting area that used to be a storage room, or how about that 75-inch TV. … No, my favorite part of the renovation is the signs over the entry doors. If you looked up when you came in, you saw a Senior Center sign. Troy, Michigan, now has a senior center. To me a senior center is a safe place for seniors to socialize, learn, be entertained, support each other and maybe even have something to eat.”
In addition to the ARPA funds supporting the indoor Senior Center improvements, the funds were also used to renovate space outside the Senior Center, which includes work on the bocce ball and shuffleboard courts outside of the North Entrance.
New shuffleboard and bocce equipment, as well as a shed to hold these items, was purchased.
“I am so excited to see all of our planning come together with the opening of the new Senior Center space inside of the Community Center,” Troy Recreation Supervisor Lyndsey Ramsay said in a press release. “I am looking forward at being able to offer even more new and exciting programs and events for Troy Seniors in this space.”
The Senior Center is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. During that time period, if programs are not taking place, seniors are welcome to sit and enjoy the area. The Senior Center will also be open on weekends and evenings on occasion for special events and programs.
Free coffee is served 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, courtesy of Meals on Wheels. A congregate hot lunch is served in the Senior Center 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays from Meals, which costs $3.50 for seniors ages 60 and up and $7 for those under 60. Find the menu at rec.troymi.gov/seniors.
For more information on the programming through the city of Troy Recreation Department please visit rec.troymi.gov.