A new era for seniors

It has been a long time coming, but it finally happened! On Dec. 8, 2020, the Board of Collier County Commissioners gave Naples Senior Center (NSC) the super-majority vote it needed to move ahead with “A New Era for Seniors!” In a four to one vote, commissioners approved the rezoning needed for us to build a 30,000-square-foot, two-story building on 13.7 acres in North Naples. The property is located on the corner of Oakes Boulevard and Autumn Oakes Lane, just one block south of Immokalee Road.

Naples Senior Center is working with architectural firm Stofft Cooney for design, and Build LLC for construction. The new Naples Senior Center is being designed with plenty of room for the many programs and activities offered as well as a designated wing for our dementia respite programs on the second floor. Also on the second floor will be offices for geriatric case management and administration.

The weekly “Lunch and More” program will have room for up to 300 attendees. An expanded area for the food pantry will be on the first floor.

NSC will continue to offer dementia respite programs on Marco Island.

Of particular importance, is that NSC will now have outdoor space for a gardening program and meditation gardens. There will be walking trails and flexible areas for art classes, tai chi and other exercise programs. The property will be surrounded by lush landscaping, and five acres will remain as an undeveloped preserve.

Patty and Jay Baker have generously given the lead gift. The Richard M. Schulze Foundation provided a challenge grant, which has been met. NSC also received a gift from the Brookdale Foundation Group and many generous gifts from the NSC Board of Trustees.

There are many opportunities to become involved in this exciting project, including naming opportunities. For more information, please contact me at 239-325-4444 or jfaffer@naplesseniorcenter.org.

We thank the community for the support!