After years of anticipation, the wait is almost over. On September 2, Colorado Springs’ new senior center will finally open its doors. Built with the city’s growing older adult community in mind, the space features wide hallways, inviting gathering areas, more classrooms and three times the parking.

To find out what this new space means for our community’s seniors, we sat down with Operations Director Tom Lathrop, 57, Director of Senior Programs Christa Hazlett, 54, and Dance Instructor DeLene Hoffner, 61. Their excitement says it all.

What has the waiting period been like as you’ve watched the new center come together?

Lathrop: Although we’ve been seeing the progress of the new building—I’ve been over there every week—we’ve missed the community aspect of people hanging out, eating a meal, playing cards and all that. 

Hazlett: I’m very patient, but this last summer has been a tough one because we know it’s coming to a close, and it’s like, let’s go! 

What difference will this new, purpose-built center make for seniors? 

Lathrop: The design was specifically for seniors, with wider hallways, higher seats so people don’t have to bend down as much and a hearing loop (an assistive listening system that transmits sound directly to a hearing aid, even with background noise). 

There are so many places for people to sit. Before, it was only in our lobby. Having a big multipurpose area with a stage is also nice. It’s only elevated about a foot high for safety, but it helps with visibility 

Hoffner: Some participants say, “This is not as convenient [as classes at the YMCA or Westside, where we’ve been for the past two years],” but for others, it’s better. The one-stop shopping is big after going to different venues. And with my group [of dance students], there’s this huge sense of community. They want to stay and visit. The new building is very welcoming, with common areas for coffee and little snackies. 

Hazlett: I had that too at Westside. They’re sad we won’t be there anymore. But we have gained new patrons because we did this. For me, the biggest change is the ownership of the building. We belong here. Previously, we were borrowing space, feeling like visitors. There wasn’t really a home base. Some people don’t like change. But once we’re in and they see how beautiful and functional and how purposeful it was built for them, I think that will change. 

What does it say that the city put their dollars behind the new center?

Lathrop: I’m grateful the city spent money they received from the government on this beautiful building. It’s available to the public, the taxpayers paid for it and we don’t have to pay the mortgage—that’s pretty exciting.

Hoffner: It makes a big statement to our aging community: our city values you and you deserve to have this place to enrich your life into your older years. 

What has it been like to be part of the building process and to see the new center take shape?

Lathrop: Even though the new building sits a little differently on the lot, the address is still 1514 N. Hancock Ave. I’ve never gone through a building process, so that’s all been new. I’m just so thankful I got to be included. We had input in a lot of decisions.It was phenomenal to go through that process and be closely involved.

Hoffner: I feel very honored to be part of it, because I find great joy working with the senior community. I always feel really uplifted and wowed by people and their stories. 

Director of Senior Programs Christa Hazlett, Operations Director Tom Lathrop and dance instructor DeLene Hoffner gather for one last time at the Downtown Y before moving to the new Senior Center building.

If you had to name the biggest improvements in the new center compared to the old one, what would they be?

Lathrop: The number one thing I hear about is parking. We’ll have triple the amount of parking as before.

Hazlett: And the whole building doesn’t contain asbestos!

Will a new space mean new programs?

Hoffner: Yes! I wanted to offer more classes, and that idea was fully embraced. There will be a new tap club, plus a free senior center dance team, with everything from Israeli folk dance to ballet. We’ll also get to try musical theater. 

Hazlett: I’ve been pushing the SHiNE class (a high-cardio dance workout to hit music). And then couples dancing. Document shredding is popular, so I’m doing two whole shredding months in April and October instead of a one-hour drive-through shred onsite.

Lathrop: We can offer more morning classes now. At the Downtown Y, we could only do afternoons. 

What kinds of spaces and classrooms will the new center offer, and how will they be used?

Lathrop: There are six and a fitness room. Plus, we can split the multipurpose room into two additional classrooms. 

Hazlett: Trying to schedule everything in a space that I’ve never really been in is challenging. I rely on a map for scheduling in 14 different places. We have a conference room and a really wide hallway I call the Junction that I’m making use of, and a patio where we can do Tai Chi. We also have a cooking area for culinary classes, and the kitchen isn’t tucked away. I love that people will be able to see everything happening under one roof. Maybe it will inspire them to learn something new! 

What kinds of health and wellness services will be available in the new clinic area?

Lathrop: There will be free foot care about three days a week. We’ve done this previously.

Hoffner: But now it will be a little more spa-like.

Lathrop: We’ll also offer free blood pressure checks. Maybe we’ll get the okay to bring massage back or do some one-on-one personal training in the future.

What about technology learning opportunities?

Hazlett: Take advantage of all the technology classes we offer because they are free! Our instructors are trained through AARP’s Senior Planet. I have elderly parents, and I’m constantly answering questions. I gently remind them that the new senior center will be open soon!

How much does membership cost, and is financial assistance available?

Lathrop: There isn’t a membership fee—just payment for some classes. Most people are living on Social Security, so they’re getting a 75% discount—but it could be 50% to 25%, depending on their income.

Hazlett: We also honor and celebrate our 90+ members—they get a 100% discount!

Lathrop: A lot of the donations we get pay for scholarships.

What transportation options will be available for seniors who need a ride?

Lathrop: Silver Key offers it. Call 719-884-2300 at least 48 hours in advance to book their time. Metro Mobility, Envida and MedRide will all connect with the senior center, and there’s a bus stop nearby on Hancock.

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