With an opening date for Bedford’s new Senior Activity Center still pending, The City announced in a News Flash press release Wednesday that December programming and events for seniors have been suspended while staff prepares for the move.  It was also announced that the annual individual membership to the Center will increase from $5.00 to $15.00 for Bedford residents effective this coming January 1.  For non-residents, the membership will rise from $10.00 to $30.00.

The Senior Activity Center has been 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.

This coming Monday, November 25, at 1:00pm is the deadline set by the City for the end of programming and events, according to the City’s announcement.  In the meantime, the statement said, City staff “will begin moving into the new facility.”

In addition, the announcement said, senior dances scheduled for December 2 and December 16 will continue to be held, as scheduled, at the Bedford Center YMCA with tickets available at the door for $6.00 per person.

According to the City’s website, the new Senior Center will include “various multi-purpose rooms, a lounge, fitness area, commercial kitchen, game room, craft/ceramics room, library nook, reception area, several offices for staff and restrooms.”