Lexington Breaks Ground on New Senior and Therapeutic Recreation Center

Lexington city officials marked a significant milestone on Friday with the groundbreaking of a new 26,000-square-foot senior center and therapeutic recreation facility. This center is designed to cater to the city’s growing population aged 55 and older, alongside individuals with disabilities and special needs.

This project, which has been in the planning stages for over three years, is located off Reynolds Road. Mayor Linda Gorton expressed her enthusiasm at the ceremony. “This is a big step forward for our community,” she stated, highlighting the overwhelming demand at existing senior centers in the city.

Set to open in 2026, the center will cost approximately $24 million, allocated from the current year’s budget, which follows a prior year investment of $1.4 million for its design. The local government has recognized a dramatic increase in senior participation at existing facilities, particularly at the Idle Hour Park center, which has faced crowding since its opening in 2016.

The city’s aging population is notable; according to recent U.S. Census data, over a quarter of Lexington residents are over the age of 55. Director of the Division of Aging and Disability Services, Kristy Stambaugh, pointed out that in just six months this year, 988 new seniors have joined the senior centers, a trend anticipated to continue as the demographic shifts. Moreover, by 2030, projections suggest that seniors over 65 will outnumber those under 18 in Fayette County for the first time.

In addition to serving seniors, the new center will house the city’s therapeutic recreation program, which currently assists around 300 individuals annually with mental and physical disabilities. Until now, this program has lacked a dedicated facility but will benefit from the new building’s specially designed recreational spaces.

The plans include versatile areas that can host multiple classes simultaneously, addressing the pent-up demand for various activities. Stambaugh noted the presence of waiting lists for current programs, indicating a clear need for expanded facilities and staff. This program, celebrating its 70th anniversary next year, is one of only three community-based therapeutic recreation programs in the state.

Councilwoman Whitney Elliott Baxter, whose district encompasses Shillito Park, emphasized the importance of the new center for seniors living on the south side of Fayette County. “Providing enriching services to meet the needs of our active senior adults is essential,” she asserted, recognizing the center’s role in addressing both senior and special needs community requirements.

With construction projected to take about a year, Lexington is poised to enhance its offerings for an increasingly active and diverse aging demographic, further improving the quality of life for its residents.