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New Senior Center opens in Gainesville

A new center in Gainesville will provide senior citizens with social, recreational, and educational opportunities. The new 17,000 square-foot City of Gainesville-Alachua county Senior Recreation center at northside park had its ribbon cutting ceremony this morning.  In attendance were Gainesville city commissioners, state officials, and senior citizens from all over the county. The goal of the new center is to enhance the lives of Alachua county's over 38,000 senior citizens by decreasing isolation, and increasing their quality of life. Retired law enforcement officer Floyd Gibson says he is excited to learn new things at the center.

http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/Gibson1.mp3

Executive director of Elder-Care of Alachua county Anthony Clarizio says the project has been in the works for about five years. He says giving senior citizens their own community is important.

http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/clarisio4.mp3

This is the first multi-service recreation facility for senior citizens in the Alachua county area. Clarizio says the community is ready to fully take advantage of the facility.

http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/Clarizio1.mp3

In attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony was Secretary of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, Charles Corley. He says the Senior Recreation Center is an important asset for Alachua county.

http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/Corley1.mp3

Corley says it is vital for the health of the elderly to stay social and active as they age.

http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/corley2.mp3

The senior citizens in attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony were all smiles during the event, enjoying refreshments and looking forward to things to come. In addition to learning about computers, Gibson hopes that all senior citizens take advantage of everything the Senior recreation center has to offer.

http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/Gibson2.mp3

The Gainesville and Alachua County Senior Recreation Center is energy efficient and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Ricki is a reporter for WUFT News who may be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news @wuft.org
Shannon is a reporter for WUFT News who may be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news @wuft.org