Bedford’s new Senior Activity Center “is officially open,” according to a City announcement Wednesday on Facebook.  The new facility, which has been renovated, is located in the old YMCA building, at Central Drive and Cummings.

The facility, as stated by the announcement, features “a lounge, a dedicated fitness area with equipment, a craft/ceramics room, a library nook, a commercial kitchen, a reception area, restrooms and several offices for staff.”  Also offered by the facility, according to the announcement, are “multi-purpose rooms for card games, instructor-led fitness classes, billiards, and more.”

The Senior Activity Center was temporarily operating at the Old Bedford School since the old center was demolished to make way for the makeover of Generations Park at Boys Ranch, where it was originally located.

As reported by the Bedford Journal Project in June of this year, City Council approved $3.28 million for the new Senior Activity Center, with $2.71 million (83%) contracted to HCI Commercial for the renovation of the old YMCA building, located on the southeast corner of Central and Cummings, which the City bought for $935,000.  The funds for the renovation were part of a $22 million bond package, which includes a new Central Fire Station, remodeling of the City’s other two fire stations and other capital projects.

Until the end of the year, annual senior memberships are $5 for Bedford residents and $10 for non-residents.  The membership fee will increase, however, as of January 1, to $15 for Bedford residents and $30 for non-residents.

Starting January 6, as stated by the City’s website, the hours of operation for the Center will be:

Monday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday – CLOSED