Final plans for Lexington’s $25 million therapeutic recreation and senior center unveiled

Plans for a new combined therapeutic and senior citizen complex have been unveiled at Lexington City Hall. Its location and services will meet the needs of two distinct groups of people.

Lexington City Council members were briefed on the $25 million Senior and Therapeutic Recreation Center planned for Shillito Park just inside Reynolds Road. There will be extensive services for persons with disabilities as well as seniors. Aging and Disability Services Director Kristy Stambaugh said the center will cater to seniors in an underserved area.

“For therapeutic recreation, it’s another opportunity for them to provide programming in a part of town where they don’t often have opportunity,” said Stambaugh.

Stambaugh said it’s designed with elements specific to the needs of both groups.

The complex will be built with sustainability in mind. Senior Project Manager with EOP Architects Jeff Meehan said energy conservation is a key objective.

“We’re using geothermal wells to heat and cool the building and there’s a photovoltaic system which is solar-powered generation. So the building is going to be designed for photovoltaic power generation,” said Meehan.

Meehan said the solar-based system price tag could result in rethinking the energy source. The combined facility will have a recreation room where activities like archery, group fitness, heavy bag training, and indoor pickleball will be held. Construction is slated to begin in November with an opening projected in the spring of 2026.

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said 25% of the city’s population is 55 and older. Kristy Stambaugh added by 2034 there will be more people over the age of 65 than under 18. It was noted during the presentation that all therapeutic programs, 20 around Lexington, are in great demand with waitlists due to demand and staffing.

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