12th comprehensive senior center opens in San Antonio

The City of San Antonio Department of Human Services opened its 12th comprehensive senior center at 1423 S. Ellison Drive on Nov. 22.

Long story short

Known as Barbara Robinette Community & Senior Center, the center will provide health and wellness activities, as well as educational services for residents 60 years of age and over Monday through Friday for the remainder of the year.

Built as part of the city’s 2017-2022 bond projects, the $14.2 million, 17,000-square-foot facility will support older adult services, and provide meeting spaces and recreational services. The single-story facility features a gymnasium, fitness equipment, dining room, warming kitchen, staff offices, classrooms and parking.

Senior activities includes:

• Exercise and dance classes
• Art
• Creative writing and technology classes
• Congregate noontime meal
• Health screenings and wellness education
• Recreational activities, such as bingo, Lotería, table tennis, billiards, movie screenings and field trips

The center will also provide transportation for older adults not able to drive and who live within a five-mile radius of the senior center.

Additionally, the parks and recreation department will host activities designed for all ages at the center. These include fine arts, fitness, nature, youth sports leagues, music and dance classes, a teen club and the summer youth program.

Quotes of note

• “We are very excited to celebrate the opening of the second multi-generational center in San Antonio. My sincere hope is that the Robinette Center will serve as a neighborhood hub for older adults and youth to make friends, pursue hobbies, and maintain their overall well being,” District 4 council member Adriana Rocha Garcia said.
• “The City of San Antonio is proud of and committed to providing opportunities that empower youth and older adults to lead healthy and active lives. The Robinette Center is the newest addition to our community resources, and we’re excited to open this tremendous facility,” City Manager Erik Walsh said.