Public Invited To Meeting To Discuss New Uses For Overton Senior Center

A public meeting to discuss future plans for the Overton Senior Center will be held on Monday, September 25 at 5:30 pm at the Senior Center. All of the public is encouraged to attend the meeting to learn about the plans to create a multi-use, multi-age recreational center at the current senior center facility.

In May, Clark County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick met with United Seniors officials to propose a new plan for the building. She reminded the seniors that the Memorandum of Understanding with the county over their use of the building was up for renewal at the end of June. She then gave notice that the new agreement would involve more than just a rubber stamp renewal of the long-standing terms that they had seen before. She had plans for a change.

Kirkpatrick had noticed that the senior center building was under-utilized at certain portions of the day. Most of the senior activities are scheduled in the morning. But in afternoons and evenings there is rarely any activity in the building.

In addition, Kirkpatrick had heard from local residents that there was a need for additional recreational facilities in the community. Local residents had expressed interest in a recreation center where more programming could take place to keep local kids busy.

Kirkpatrick’s solution to both of these issues was to propose a broader use of the senior center facility. This would allow parks and rec programming for youth and teens after school and for general community activities in the evenings.

This proposal has been in development for the past three months. The final plans are expected to be revealed at Monday night’s meeting.

The commissioner has been adamant that the proposal will not be taking anything away from the seniors of the community. The building will still be scheduled for their various programs.
“There is no fear for seniors and snow birds,” said Janice Ridondo, community liaison for Kirkpatrick’s office. “All accommodations will be made to keep current activities in place going forward.”

The idea is to expand and open the use of the building to the rest of the community to fill that need, Ridondo said.
“Marilyn is excited to talk about the addition of classes and programming which will be available to all ages at different hours and days, including weekends,” Ridondo said. “This building is a beautiful asset to our community and we want to see it used and enjoyed.”

The public will have an opportunity to provide input during the September 25 meeting. Comments and concerns may also be voiced by calling the Clark County Northeast Office at 702-397-6475.