Metro Lex News

Mayor Linda Gorton, alongside Councilmember Whitney Baxter and other city officials, has initiated the construction of a new Senior & Therapeutic Recreation Center in Shillito Park. The facility, which has been planned since 2021, is expected to be completed by 2026. It will span 26,000 square feet and cost approximately $24 million.

"Today we are breaking ground on a big step forward for our community," Mayor Gorton stated. She emphasized that the center would serve hundreds of people with its diverse activities and programs.

The Division of Aging and Disability Services will manage senior programming at the center. Meanwhile, the Division of Parks and Recreation will oversee therapeutic recreation for participants with disabilities or special needs.

Councilmember Baxter expressed optimism about the facility's future impact: "I am confident that this wonderful dual-purpose facility will serve as a model for excellence for years to come."

Gorton highlighted Lexington's growing senior population, noting that those aged 55-plus now represent about 25% of residents. "This new senior center facility will offer much-needed services in a part of town where a lot of seniors live," she said.

Kristy Stambaugh, Director of the Division of Aging and Disability Services, explained that the center would feature adaptable spaces to meet evolving participant needs. Monica Conrad, Director for Lexington Parks & Recreation, shared her excitement about expanding their Therapeutic Recreation program through this new development.

The Therapeutic Recreation program began in 1955 under Dorothy Large and currently offers over 50 programs annually. It serves around 300 individuals with disabilities or special needs each year. The initiative is unique within Kentucky as it is managed by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.

Mayor Gorton praised the program: "In everything it does, our Division of Parks & Recreation goes above and beyond to involve the entire community."