News Summary
Drivers in Lexington should prepare for possible delays on Shillito Park Road due to paving work scheduled for Monday. This construction aims to improve the road around Shillito Park while the park remains open. The paving is part of a larger project for a new Senior Therapeutic Center, set to cost over $25 million, which will enhance resources for seniors in the community.
Lexington – Drivers in Lexington should prepare for potential delays on Shillito Park Road as paving work is scheduled for Monday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The construction aims to improve the road in the area surrounding the park, where ongoing developments are taking place.
While Shillito Park itself will remain open during this work, visitors are advised to allow extra travel time when planning their trips. City officials have announced that the paving is part of a larger construction project for a new Senior Therapeutic Center, which is expected to open in May 2026.
The Senior Therapeutic Center will span an impressive 26,207 square feet and is projected to cost over $25 million, covering all associated expenses. This facility will be a major addition to the city’s therapeutic recreation program, catering specifically to adults with disabilities while providing more group exercise space to meet the increasing demand from the active senior community.
Kristy Stambaugh, the director of aging and disability services, highlighted the critical need for such a facility, as it will significantly enhance programming opportunities for seniors. The proposed features of the center include large group exercise rooms, a fitness gym, an art studio, and classroom space. Additionally, a gym or sports court will support various recreational activities, such as archery, wheelchair sports, drumming, and pickleball, with plans for three indoor pickleball courts.
The new fitness gym will surpass the size of the current Idle Hour Senior Center’s gym, enabling it to accommodate a greater number of exercise machines and equipment. This enhancement is in direct response to the growing senior population in Lexington, particularly on the south side of the city, where approximately 1,600 seniors utilize city services.
U.S. Census data shows that one in four residents in Fayette County is aged 55 or older, underscoring the importance of expanding facilities tailored to this demographic. Realizing this, Councilwoman Whitney Elliott Baxter acknowledged the necessity for more senior-focused resources in the area.
Mayor Linda Gorton has incorporated budget allocations for the new senior center into this year’s $532 million budget, ensuring funding is available for its development. Bids for the construction project are expected to be released in September, with work anticipated to begin in November 2023.
As construction starts, city officials remind residents to stay informed about the progress of both the paving and the Senior Therapeutic Center. The establishment of this new facility is projected to greatly benefit the senior population in Lexington, providing them with enhanced facilities to improve their quality of life.
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Additional Resources
- WTVQ: Shillito Park Road Paving Scheduled
- Wikipedia: Parks in the United States
- Kentucky.com: Lexington News Article
- Google Search: Senior Therapeutic Center Lexington
- LEX18: Investment in Community Parks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community
- WKYT: Pickleball Courts at Shillito Park
- Google News: Senior Therapeutic Center Lexington
