Mayor breaks ground on new senior, therapeutic recreation center coming to Shillito Park

Mayor Linda Gorton, Councilmember Whitney Baxter, and several city officials today broke ground on the city's new Senior & Therapeutic Recreation Center that is being built in Shillito Park.

"Today we are breaking ground on a big step forward for our community," Mayor Linda Gorton said. "Hundreds of people will soon be able to use and enjoy this facility, and all of the activities and programming that will take place here."

The facility has been in the works since 2021. Plans call for a 26,000-square-foot building with an estimated cost of $24 million. It will open in 2026.

City staff members from the Division of Aging and Disability Services will supervise programming for Seniors at the center, and staff members with the Division of Parks and Recreation will supervise programming for participants in Therapeutic Recreation.

Councilmember Baxter, whose District includes Shillito Park, said, "I am confident that this wonderful dual-purpose facility will serve as a model for excellence for years to come and will be an inclusive place where people can gather for enriching education, socialization, exercise, recreation and information all provided by a great staff that understand and care about them."

Senior Center

Lexington is getting older and getting better, especially for senior citizens, Gorton said. "The Census told us that our 55-plus population - which currently accounts for about 25% of our residents - is growing. Our popular senior centers are already crowded. This new senior center facility will offer much needed services in a part of town where a lot of seniors live. It's a big step forward."

The new senior center will offer many of the programs that are offered at the Senior Center on Life Lane, including technology, arts and crafts. "We also recognize that the needs of our participants are constantly evolving," said Kristy Stambaugh, Director of the Division of Aging and Disability Services. "The center will be designed with that in mind, incorporating flexible spaces and programming that can adapt to the changing landscape of aging. From fitness classes to arts and crafts, from technology workshops to intergenerational activities, this center will be a true reflection of the diverse interests of our community."

Therapeutic Recreation

The therapeutic recreation portion of the new facility will support Parks & Recreation's outstanding Therapeutic Recreation program, which supports individuals with disabilities and special needs.

"We are so incredibly excited about this facility," said Monica Conrad, Director for Lexington Parks & Recreation. "Not only does it enhance the offerings at one of our great community parks, Shillito Park, it will also allow us to expand our Therapeutic Recreation program offerings - serving and providing for even more people in the community. We are so proud of that program, and are excited to see it grow with this collaborative center in conjunction with senior living."

The Therapeutic Recreation program, which will celebrate 70 years in 2025, was started in 1955 by city employee Dorothy Large. It provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities and special needs to enjoy activities through recreation, leisure, and play. Over 50 programs are offered throughout the year, as well as three summer camps - enhancing the overall health, wellness and social well-being of approximately 300 individuals, ages five and older.

I'm really proud of our outstanding Therapeutic Recreation program," Gorton said. "In everything it does, our Division of Parks & Recreation goes above and beyond to involve the entire community."

Lexington Parks & Recreation is one of only three community-based programs in the state offering Therapeutic Recreation, and the only program in the state that is managed by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, educated, trained and nationally certified to program for individuals with disabilities.

Therapeutic Recreation offers activities in various parks and community centers around the city, but this will be the first location designed for the needs of the program.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.