Upcoming Groundbreaking: Exciting Plans for New Senior Center Unveiled

The Future of Senior Care in Owensboro-Daviess County

Long-standing aspirations and planning efforts have culminated in a promising future for senior care in Owensboro-Daviess County. The local Senior Community Center recently unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art facility, set to break ground in the near future.

Revamping Senior Care Facilities

David Tucker, the Senior Center Director, expressed his excitement at a recent press conference. Notably, the announcement revealed that Hayden Construction won the contract to construct the new senior center. A team led by Axiom Designs is in charge of the design work.

“We’ve long discussed the need for a new center in Owensboro. We are eager to commence construction soon and aim to complete the move-in before the end of 2026,” Tucker stated.

Features of the New Facility

A sprawling eight-acre plot at the junction of 2nd and Carter streets, next to the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, is the chosen site for the new center. Spanning 23,000 square feet, the single-level facility will eliminate the need for stairs or elevators, addressing a long-standing request from center members.

The new center will house a larger auditorium and upgraded fitness areas. A third-of-a-mile walking trail is also part of the plan. Furthermore, Tucker expressed hopes of collaborating with the Botanic Garden to enhance the surrounding green space.

Community Investment into Senior Care

The project receives considerable support from local government, with a combined commitment of $5 million from the City of Owensboro and Daviess County Fiscal Court. They have also pledged an additional $500,000 in matching funds. The Senior Center also actively fundraises to secure extra funds for potential upgrades.

The current Senior Center, despite its long-standing service to the community, lacks the infrastructure to meet modern needs. The fate of the building, owned by the City, remains undecided once the new center is complete.

Planning for Future Generations

Pam Smith-Wright, Senior Center Board Chair and a key figure in the project’s planning stages for over a decade, sees the project as a genuine community investment. She believes it’s a step towards securing the needs of present and future seniors.

“We’ve anticipated this for over 14 years,” Smith-Wright said. “This is a commitment to our seniors and to the city. This building will serve future generations well, and we have ensured it has all the necessary features to do so.”

One of these features, a small chapel at the entrance of the building, was specifically advocated for by Smith-Wright. “Seniors sometimes need a peaceful place to pray or reflect,” she said. “This chapel will provide that space.”

Services for Seniors

The Senior Center provides a variety of free services to Daviess County residents aged 60 and over. These include transportation to medical appointments and grocery stores, and in-house recreational, educational, and fitness programs.

The goal, as emphasized by Tucker, is not just to build a facility but to create a second home. “We offer an active, learning, and friendly environment,” he said. “The new center will enable us to better serve our seniors for many more decades.”

Construction of the new center is anticipated to begin later this spring and is expected to last approximately 18 months.