L.S. Seniors have a place to
call their own

Crowds of people packed the new Lake Stevens Senior Center at Eagle Ridge Park last Saturday for a long-awaited ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening shindig.

Local seniors, their families, city staff and community members were able to enjoy good conversation and great food provided by the Lions Club, Kiwanis Club and Rotary Club members.

After an all-you-can eat pancake breakfast, the audience was honored to hear from Mayor Vern Little who thanked all of those who made this dream a reality including Senior President Joyce Bell and City staffer, Scotty Swift. Little also thanked Police Chief Randy Celori for his implementation and participation from the beginning of the project almost six years ago.

Speaking to a full house, Little imagined the day when this 2,800 square foot building would no longer suit the needs of the Lake Stevens community.

“Here we are today in this building, this building that was packed when we opened,” Little said. “To think what it will be like in 15 years. I envision this someday being a lot bigger.”

Partial funding for the project came through grants and state funding. Senator Steve Hobbs (D – Lake Stevens) secured monies for the project in his first year in office, totaling over $296,000.

“I am really proud of this, I really am,” Hobbs said. “This is something close to home; this is something the community wanted. That’s what makes it so special.”

The oldest living Lake Stevens senior, Cathryn Walling stood from her wheelchair and cut the ribbon, making everything official.
After speeches were made and people were thanked, the Lions Club fed the crowd hot dogs and nachos while visitors toured the building and the grounds.

The new Lake Stevens Senior Center is located in Eagle Ridge Park at 2302 Soper Hill Road. The building is a 2,800 square foot modular building and had a fully equipped commercial kitchen with a walk in pantry, two ADA bathrooms, and an office, a 1,400 square foot multi- purpose room that is also utilized as a dining room and second classroom that can be used as a media/computer room.

After considering the modernization and restoration of an existing home on the property, city staff realized that a modular building would not only be more cost effective but also provide more space and functionality.

Construction and installation of the building included a new septic system and ADA ramps. The building was originally ordered around September of 2007 with project construction fully completed in January 2009.

“The idea of purchasing a modular building seemed to be financially feasible and would meet the needs of the seniors,” Lake Stevens Community Programs Planner Scotty Swift said. “The modular building could provide a commercial kitchen and a large open plan dining room that could accommodate groups of people while providing barrier free access to those with mobility challenges.”

For further information or questions please contact the City of Lake Stevens Community Programs Planner at 425-212-3315 or via email dswift@ci.lake-stvens.wa.us.