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Fraser senior center reports full trips, new activities and a volunteer-run community garden
Summary
The recreation department said several senior trips filled quickly and highlighted free programs, while a commissioner described expanding a pilot garden at the senior center for produce and activities next year.
At the July 1 Fraser Recreation Commission meeting, staff reported that multiple senior trips and programs have filled and that the department is testing new crafts and outings while a commissioner outlined plans to expand a pilot garden at the senior activity center.
A staff member said the July 17 Michigan train-station trip had sold out and that both department buses would be used. “That is full,” the staff member said of the trip, adding the department tries to run a casino trip monthly because it is a popular offering.
Staff flagged three scheduled outdoor movie nights for July, August and September and free senior events including a Humana-sponsored “Bingo Bash” on July 25 and a free string-art craft day with 16 spots. "Bingo bash, that is a free event that is sponsored by Humana," the staff member said.
Commissioner Cook described a volunteer-driven garden she began at the senior center and said she plans to expand it substantially in 2026. “My goal is next year to have a full blown garden,” Cook said, noting peppers, eggplant, kale and tomatoes are already growing and that she plans to recruit sponsors to fund sections of the plot.
Cook also said she has coordinated with public works (DPW) about irrigation and plans to use soaker hoses and timers to reduce volunteer watering time. “If I could set up soaker hoses next year, then really nobody has to water. All they’re gonna have to do is come harvest it,” she said.
Staff and commissioners confirmed a “painting with a twist” event was canceled after low signups; staff said summer can be slower for that vendor-led program but a December session is already scheduled. No formal decisions or budget allocations were made at the meeting related to the garden or senior programming; commissioners asked staff and DPW to follow up on irrigation and sponsorship options.
The commission did not take votes on program funding at the July 1 meeting; staff will report back on any budget requests and logistics at a future meeting.
