Ward Park Senior Center Discussion Next Wednesday

A public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. at City Hall next Wednesday to discuss the proposed Senior Center and to hear potential concerns and thoughts about the project as it moves forward.

“I think this could potentially be a great thing for the city,” said City Councilor Matt Elder in a release which stated Mayor Arthur Vigeant would be at the meeting. “More importantly, moving the senior center to Ward Park will immediately put the park on the city’s radar to spend funds for its improvement. However, the neighborhood’s concerns need to be addressed.”

The new senior center was proposed to the City Council by Mayor Arthur Vigeant in November with a $7 million estimated price tag and a location at Ward Park. The council then of the project. Concerns were raised regarding the sports teams that use the field, although the mayor has said he will work with them moving forward.

Initial conceptual plans have the senior center off of New St and Water Terrace, where a baseball diamond was, according to Elder. Elder had initial concerns over the location, but now says that the senior center could bring additional grants into the city and improvements to the park.

“If we put the senior center at Ward Park, it could push improvements ahead a decade,” he said. “However, the most important thing now is to hear what the residents have to say and implement those concerns in the design of the senior center and park, if it’s approved.”