Demand surges for Leander’s new senior center

“Seniors felt we were pushed to the side,” resident Kathy Bonardi said.

Funding for the senior center dates back to bonds approved by voters in 2016 and 2018. After multiple delays, including a lengthy pause spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, the facility broke ground in May 2024. Today, the 11,800-square-foot facility replaces shared programming spaces and reflects the city’s commitment to a demographic that has rapidly expanded.

“I think it speaks volumes to the community from our council that they set the priority that they wanted to build and open a senior center for the community first—before they opened up a recreation center,” said Ashlea Boyle, Leander’s parks, recreation and community services director.

When plans for the senior center were first discussed, officials projected seeing around 150 memberships annually. But that estimate quickly proved too low as the city grew, Boyle said.

Within the first year after the city took over the active adults programs, in 2021, memberships had nearly doubled original projections.

“In hindsight, it was the first sign that there was actually more need for this project than we had realized,” said Christine De’Lisle, former mayor and champion of the initiative.

She noted that much of the city’s population surge has included families and grandparents moving to the area.

“[Leander] is an entirely different city,” De’Lisle said.

Data on residents age 60-plus shows Leander’s population is evolving. Census and city benchmark results indicate the older adult population is growing in both number and share, even as the city continues to grow overall across age groups.

“Before we opened the new center this January, we had about 540 members,” Boyle said. “Now we are up to 859.”

Boyle said she envisions the center as a “second home” for Leander’s older adults—a space to build friendships and maintain physical health.

A study by The University of Texas at Austin linked the importance of social relationships on well-being in later life.

“Diverse relationships that extend beyond close ties may lead to different types of behaviors that contribute to well-being in older adults,” the report states. “Individuals who are socially integrated participate in diverse activities ... may lead to greater levels of physical activity and enhanced well-being.”

The facility and programming have also been designed for accessibility, utilizing community input, Boyle said. Membership costs are low, and the center offers a wide range of popular fitness classes alongside social activities. In addition, the center is located within a CapMetro Pickup Zone, which provides a public transit option for those who prefer it or are unable to drive.

Because the facility was designed nearly a decade ago, it is already feeling the squeeze of modern population numbers, Bonardi said.

The multipurpose room isn’t large enough to hold all interested participants, forcing caps of 45 people on popular classes like chair yoga, which has discouraged some members, she explained. Additionally, Bonardi said the center currently has limited hours, operating weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“The center should stay open past 4,” Bonardi said. “[This] would need to be a priority in the next budget session.”

She noted that staffing shortages have also been an issue that is preventing the group from taking day trips like they did several years ago.

Looking ahead

Based on a recent survey of over 200 members, the city is evaluating the center’s $89,420 operating budget to determine the staffing costs needed to extend hours into evenings and weekends, Boyle said. The facility currently has four full-time staff members. A city representative said a decision “should be determined soon.”

Additionally, the multipurpose space at the center may soon be available for event reservations and programming space, Boyle noted. A formal ribbon-cutting and grand opening celebration is planned for the spring once construction on the building’s kitchen is complete.

“Project dollars don’t stretch the way they did back 10 years ago. ... We’re already looking at a Phase 2 expansion on-site,” Boyle said.