The Belton Senior Activity Center, popular with Belton seniors and those in neighboring cities, began a remodel over the Christmas and New Year’s break.
Sam Listi, City Manager, and the City Council chose the center as one of many organizations to receive $100,000 from remaining Covid funds.
Loved by its attendees and those who work to keep it a vital location, the work is being done in the kitchen, the storage room, and its restrooms.
The remodel in the kitchen involves a new ceiling, removing an older vent hood, and replacing and rewiring the wall between the kitchen and storage room. The storage room is being updated to two activity rooms. This room will require new furnishings, including tables and chairs.
The ADA-compliant restrooms will provide plenty of room for those using wheelchairs and walkers.
Where other senior centers are city funded and operated, the Belton Senior Activity Center is funded by a nonprofit, the Belton Area Citizens for Seniors, Inc. (BACFS), and donations. There are no membership fees, although some activities have a nominal charge to participate.
Seniors in the know find the Belton Senior Activity Center the place where fun, friendships, and community happen.
“They have a place that they can feel safe, have friends…check in on each other. Their lives are improved,” said David Jones, president of the board of directors of BACFS.
The entire project cost is $375,000. The board of BACFS received an interim loan from Extraco Bank, said Jones, for the balance needed to complete the work.
Jack Sims, a long-time board member, is the vice president of facilities. He has been the main point of contact with Baird/Williams Construction, LTD, which has experience in building large municipalities.
John Stroker of Baird/Williams Construction said, “We’re having to re-do all the power for the building.” Baird/Williams Construction was “very generous with their quote to us,” Jones said.
The remodel was projected to take months. But ingenuity by Baird/Williams Construction shortened the time greatly. Bringing in wheelchair- and walker-accessible portable bathrooms with ramps means the facility can remain open during construction.
“The Belton Senior Activities Center is important to the community, important to men and women,” said Judy Owens, activities director for the center.
Hill County Community Action Association, a seven-county organization, uses the kitchen at the senior center to pack and deliver nutritious meals. They are brought to seniors who are homebound and those who have mobility limitations.
January dances will be held on January 15 and 29 with a $5 cost per person to cover the live music. Potlucks are held on the fourth Monday of the month. For a calendar of events, go to beltonseniorcenter.org.
There are grants available to help with the cost of the project. To help with grant writing or to make a donation for the remodel, contact Judy Owens at activities@beltonseniorcenter.org or at 254-770-7958.
