During the recent Summit County Council meeting on August 30, 2023, community members voiced their support for enhancing services at the Park City Senior Center, highlighting the growing needs of the senior population in the area. Elizabeth Novak, a resident of the Snyderville Basin, expressed gratitude for the council's ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of seniors, particularly following the council's recent unanimous decision to purchase the 910 Cattle Ranch property, which she described as a significant step towards leaving a legacy for future generations.

Novak, along with Craig Weekley, who has been a resident for 20 years, emphasized the importance of community support for seniors, particularly in light of challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Weekley noted that approximately 20% of Summit County's population is aged 60 and older, with many facing issues of isolation and loneliness. He underscored the role of the Park City Senior Center in combating these challenges through community engagement and various programs.

The senior center has seen substantial growth, now serving nearly 550 members, and offers a range of activities from exercise classes to educational programs. However, both Novak and Weekley stressed that to meet the increasing demand, the center requires additional support from the county, including full-time staffing and increased financial resources.

The council members engaged with the speakers, asking questions about the demographics of the senior center's attendees and the center's operational needs. Weekley highlighted the aspiration for the center to operate five days a week, similar to other senior centers across the country, and reiterated the necessity of county support to achieve this goal.

As the meeting concluded, the council acknowledged the importance of the discussions and the need for continued dialogue regarding the future of senior services in Summit County. The next steps will involve further presentations and proposals aimed at enhancing the senior center's offerings and ensuring that the needs of the community's seniors are met effectively.