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Residents urge more outreach, transit help and faster opening for new senior center
Summary
Residents and committee members pressed the Department of Recreation to improve outreach at the senior nutrition center, expand shuttle or Circuit-app transit support for older adults, and finalize programming for a senior center that staff said may open in early 2025; staff reported about 100 survey responses to date.
Residents and committee members used public comment time to urge the Department of Recreation to prioritize services for older adults and to make it easier for seniors to reach nutrition and recreation programs.
Joseph, a committee member, said the committee should promote local offerings instead of sending people outside National City: "Instead of going out away from National City and spending our money, we should focus on inspiring people to come to the park," he said, arguing the department should use park anniversaries and on-site outreach to connect residents with services.
Speakers cited transportation barriers to getting to the nutrition center and suggested expanding shuttle service coordinated through the Circuit app. A committee member asked whether the city could involve the county or a commissioner to clarify program boundaries and rider eligibility.
Staff described ongoing outreach work and data collection for the new senior center. "As of right now, I think we might be at, like, a 100 responses," a staff member said of the programming survey, and added that construction is continuing with an unofficial goal of opening in early 2025; no firm opening date was announced.
The discussion also covered practical supports for seniors, including larger-button phones and assistance signing up for services. Committee members asked staff to return with clearer information on transit options and program schedules so seniors can better access nutrition and recreation services.
Next steps cited at the meeting included continued survey collection, additional outreach at the nutrition center, and follow-up from staff on shuttle options and coordination with county programs.
