Bullhead City opens new Senior Enrichment Center; manager announces summer park fee increase

City management on March 18 outlined the opening and operations of a newly expanded Senior Enrichment Center and said the city will raise Community Park summer parking fees from $20 to $25.

City staff described the Senior Enrichment Center as a 7,700-square-foot facility for residents age 50 and older offering exercise classes, a library and computer access, a game room, a craft room, an activities nd a great room for dances and gatherings. Staff said the site also supports the city—ongregate and home-delivered meal programs and that the center previously served roughly 3,100 meals per month before the expansion. The center expansion was funded in part by a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of about $1 million, city general-fund dollars and construction by TR Orr, with Selberg Incorporated providing engineering design. Staff said the county provided a generator through Hilde Angus.

City Manager Toby Cotter told council that the city will increase the Community Park entry fee for non-residents this summer from $20 to $25, which the manager said currently generates about $650,000 annually for park operations. He estimated the increase would add approximately $150,000 more to park revenues. Cotter emphasized that Bullhead City residents do not pay the fee and noted an existing $50 annual pass option for Laughlin and Fort Mohave residents; he said the council could revisit that pass level at a future meeting.

Staff encouraged residents age 50 and older to use the center and said hundreds have already taken part in activities. The city did not present a formal ordinance or fee resolution at the meeting; the manager described administrative fee-setting authority and indicated any change to the pass program for Laughlin and Fort Mohave residents would return to council for consideration.