Riverside Park Senior Center opens; city rolling out limited programs and tours

Oviedo staff told the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board that the Riverside Park Senior Center has officially opened to the public and is offering a limited set of programs while staff surveys seniors about preferred activities. Paul said the doors opened in March and that the center "is been a slow opening process." He added the city completed pickleball courts and is currently offering tours and programs for seniors.

Why it matters: The senior center provides dedicated programming and services for older residents; staff are calibrating offerings to demand and staffing and are limiting hours to mornings and early afternoons.

Staff described current programming as intentionally modest while the city gauges interest: "We kinda held back on just offering 18 different programs because I don't know if that's gonna be the best fit for seniors. I think they're gonna tell us what they want," Paul said. The center currently offers Tai Chi, art, water aerobics and social game sessions on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and staff are exploring cybersecurity and AARP workshops. The center's posted hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Saturday; Paul said staff have turned away some residents who did not realize the center is reserved for seniors during those hours.

Staff said they will continue surveying users, pursue contracted instructors as needed and look for volunteers to help teach classes. A grand reopening or celebration tied to Riverside Building's 30th anniversary is being considered for July; the city has not set a date.

No board action was required; the board was asked to help circulate information and encourage participation.