Fresno Councilmember Taylor Maxwell speaks as fellow Councilmember Nelson Esparza looks on July 2022 at a news conference to announce the purchase of a former Vons site. Photo by Edward Smith

The City of Fresno announced Wednesday the launch of the outreach phase for the first City-managed senior activity center, and is now seeking input from the local community.

The center will replace the former Vons building located at 4325 N. Blackstone Ave., which closed in 2015.

When completed, the center will provide at least 30,000 square feet of space for senior activities, including meal and nutrition programs, health and fitness programs, wellness programs and other activities, and will be easily accessible to Fresno Area Express (FAX) bus routes.

A nearby affordable housing development will provide housing for seniors on a fixed income.

“We have an incredible opportunity to work together and create something special for our seniors,” said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer. “Creating something that’s a ‘first’ in the City of Fresno is significant, and that’s why we need the community’s help.”

With that in mind, city leaders helped open the Senior Activity Center Outreach Headquarters, which will offer a place for community members to provide their feedback and opinions on the center.

Once open, the center will provide services Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“The ribbon cutting ceremony for the Senior Activity Center Outreach Headquarters where residents can provide input on the design of the dedicated citywide senior center is a significant milestone,” said City Council Vice President Annalisa Perea. “It highlights the community’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that our senior center meets the needs and preferences of its future users.”

Community members can share their feedback at community open houses and by using an online survey; surveys and open house dates can be found at www.fresno.gov/seniorcenter.