Built in 1850 by John Frederick Heinatz, the historical Heinatz Homestead in Leander houses the Bagdad Activity Center where employees and volunteers have served nutritious food to senior residents and children since 1974. When first built by Heinatz, a settler from Germany, the homestead adjoined a store and post office. The center now hosts Meals on Wheels, a delivery system for homebound seniors, and Head Start, a national program that provides early childhood education. With about four employees, 75 volunteers, 130 Meals on Wheels deliveries, 150 Head Start meal preps for 0-5 year olds and 20 seniors who come and eat lunch every day, the center is a busy hive of activity. Carrie Berry, site manager of the center, works with Opportunities for Williamson-Burnet Counties to fulfill the needs of its participants. “I love what I do,” said Berry. “Like teaching, you’re not in it for the money but for the chance to make a difference. Every day I see a difference, and it’s intoxicating.” Frances Campbell, a senior citizen resident, said she cannot imagine the community without the center. “I drop by for lunch every day,” Campbell said. “At my age, it’s a meal for which I don’t have to shop, cook or clean. I love the people here because we’re like a big family.” The center also holds monthly birthday celebrations for its senior members and fundraisers for sustainability. Despite all efforts to keep the historic building up to date with additions and repairs funded by donations, the center’s programs are expected to relocate to new facilities in the future. Leander voters approved funding for the design and construction of a new senior facility in a May 2016 bond election. According to bond documents, the center’s location will be on Municipal Drive between South West Street and Bagdad Road. Leander Fire Chief Bill Gardner said a new facility will meet the needs of an increasing senior population and the demand to offer more opportunities for children and seniors. Leander Spokesperson Mike Neu said the city does not own the building and land on which the current senior center sits, so as of now the city does not know what the current owners plan to do with the space after the programs relocate. Leander Parks Director Mark Tummons said he expects construction of the new senior facility to begin late this year. He said the new center will include a full commercial kitchen to serve about 225 meals to homebound seniors and lunches to 50 to 100 seniors who visit daily. The kitchen will also serve about 210 meals for 0-3 year olds and their teachers at a Head Start facility that will be located in proximity, but not inside the senior activity center itself. “We hope for an October or November 2019 grand opening,” he said.

Bagdad Activity Center 351 N. Bagdad Road, Leander 512-259-0288 www.leanderbac.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-2 p.m., closed Sat.-Sun.