The Summit County Council meeting on August 23, 2023, featured a significant discussion regarding the development of a new senior center in Park City. Francie McNally, representing the Park City Senior Center, outlined the current status and future needs of the center, which is experiencing a surge in membership.

McNally highlighted that one in five residents in Summit County is over the age of 60, emphasizing the growing demand for senior services. The Park City Senior Center has seen its membership increase from 70 in 2017 to nearly 500 today, indicating a strong community need for expanded facilities and services. The current center, housed in a small building from 1976, struggles to accommodate its members, often requiring creative solutions to manage space during activities.

The council was informed that the city is providing land and support for the new senior center, but additional information and funding are necessary to move forward. McNally and her team have researched over 30 senior centers in the western United States, noting that most have larger facilities and budgets, which they aim to replicate in Park City.

The meeting also addressed the importance of maintaining a robust programming schedule for seniors, which has been enhanced by the efforts of a dedicated program director. As the current funding for this position is set to expire in seven months, McNally stressed the need for reliable financial support to ensure the continuation of activities that foster socialization and engagement among seniors.

The goal is to open the new center in 2024, with plans to operate five days a week. McNally urged the council to consider the financial implications of staffing and programming to meet the aspirations of the senior community. The discussion underscored the vital role of the senior center as a hub for social interaction and support, particularly in the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.