The City of Tallahassee officially opened its second senior center Wednesday, expanding recreational, educational and wellness programs for the area’s growing population of older adults.
City officials and community members gathered Sept. 23 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new 40,000-square-foot Tallahassee Senior Center at 2743 Welaunee Boulevard. Visitors toured the new facility following the ceremony. The center is built on approximately 6 acres of land – valued at $2.5 million – which was donated by the Ghazvini family.
According to a City of Tallahassee press release announcing the opening, the new center was designed primarily for active adults ages 50 and older and significantly expands the space available for senior programs.
The facility includes a double-size multipurpose gym featuring six indoor pickleball courts and two courts that can accommodate basketball and volleyball. The gym can also be used for table tennis, fitness classes and other activities.
A separate Lifelong Learning wing will provide space for educational classes, art programs, cards and games, along with health and wellness activities.
“Opening the second Tallahassee Senior Center is a testament to the City’s commitment to transformative projects that enhance the well-being of our community,” Mayor John Dailey said in the city’s press release. “The additional center will allow the City to better serve the growing senior population and the need for expanded programs for current and future residents.”
Tallahassee Senior Services has operated primarily from the historic Armory building on North Monroe Street since 1978. Built in 1935 to accommodate military troops, the building now hosts a wide range of senior classes, games, concerts and other programs.
The city said Senior Services staff and volunteers currently coordinate nearly 200 activities each month at the North Monroe Street center and 14 neighborhood locations. Those programs serve approximately 500 seniors per day.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome the community through the doors of Tallahassee’s second senior center,” Senior Services Manager Ceola Grant said. “This beautiful building will be a place where friendships grow as seniors stay active, engaged and connected.”
The Welaunee Boulevard facility will be available for use by the broader community, as is the original Senior Center on North Monroe Street. Regular operating hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Schedules for programs at both senior centers will be available through the city’s Senior Services website and its weekly newsletter.
Tallahassee Senior Services operates within the City’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs Department.
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