The Parks and Recreation Department provides a vast number of services for seniors from the community. Staff will be presenting an update on all the services provided and a vision for the following year.

The Community/Senior Center was built in 1978 out of a strong community desire to build a senior center. Part of the funding for the construction came from CBDG resources. There are numerous seniors who utilize the facility daily, where they can participate in wellness programs, lunches and play games like BINGO. Additionally, classes are held at the center on painting, cooking for one and learning to fly fish, to name a few. In addition to the busy daily schedules for senior wellness programs, the Parks and Recreation Department utilizes the space for community recreational programming. The center is also used by outside groups from the community for meeting space. Events include the City of Billings Boards and Commissions Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.
The Parks and Recreation Department is housed at the Community center. Currently, 16.5 staff members have offices within the center. In the summer, that number increases with interns and AmeriCorp Vistas joining the team, bringing the total closer to 22. When the Department moves to the new City Hall building, with space for 13, 9 employees will still have offices in the center. Any space that is not being utilized as an office will be programed for recreation or educational activities.
The operating budget for the Community/Senior Center is $281,917 for FY25. The Department receives $50,000 from the Adult Resource Alliance and programs run from the center bring in an additional $35,000. The remaining $196,917 comes from the General Fund. 

The largest group benefiting from the existence of the Community/Senior Center are seniors 55 and older. The second-largest user of the facility is the Parks and Recreation Department, where up to 22 employees have office space. The community also utilizes the space to hold meetings and is where most register for activities and rent park space.

This is a presentation on senior programs and the community utilization of the Community/Senior Center. No action is required.

The operating budget for the Community/Senior Center is $281,917 (FY25), but is partially offset by a contribution from the Adult Resource Alliance ($50,000) and revenue ($35,000) generated from program charges. 

The Community/Senior Center has become a hub for senior services. From wellness programs like Foot Care Clinic, nutrition classes and fitness classes. The center is an important part of many senior community members' day, being a place where they come for lunch and stay to play games or take exciting classes. The Community/Senior Center is also the office space for the Department. Even after a portion of the staff moves to the New City Hall, over 7 employees will still work at the center.