10-27-14 SCC attachment0
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MINNESOTA
TO: City Council
FROM: Ross Demant, Parks and Recreation Manager
DATE: October 16, 2014
RE: Senior Programs
Background:
55 and over programming has been a departmental goal set by the City Council since
the beginning of the remodeling of Prairie Center. City staff have started the process of
programming by meeting with staff from area senior centers and with potential
volunteers from Otsego for the past several months. From these meetings staff have
recognized the trend is moving away from "senior" programming and moving towards
programs for "active older adults". This change in terminology follows the changing
trends in programming for this population also. Programs are now catering towards
more active programs and healthy living.
Staff is proposing that the City host a kickoff event on January 5th from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m.. During this event, older active adults will be able to come to Prairie Center and
meet both staff and volunteers, the open house will also include a guest speaker who
will be reviewing estate planning. Estate planning, Staff have learned, is one of the
most popular topics among active older adults. After the kickoff, Staff is proposing
establishing set hours for older active adult programming on Mondays & Wednesdays
from 10 a.m. to 2p.m. at Prairie Center in the Fireside Room. During this time, older
active adults will have the opportunity to partake in programs and activities that will be
put on by staff and volunteers. Trips will also be offered to participants, the first being
held on February 17, 2015 in conjunction with the Elk River and Monticello older active
adult centers. Transportation is included with all trips and the cost for the entire trip is
directly charged to the participant.
Conclusion:
Staff is requesting direction from the City Council on moving forward with programming
at Prairie Center for active older adults.