The Senior Center Makeover Committee offered one more idea, along with its final report May 1.
‘One informal suggestion made to the committee was to modify the existing building located in the Bay Court Park, and use it as an interim senior center,? said committee member Tom Stone May 1 to the Independence Township Board.
‘This could be done for a township investment of just a bit more than might have been used to renovate the school and, perhaps, for a lot less, depending on what modifications are done first.?
The facility would be newer, owned by the township, and available for other uses later after a permanent senior center is located, Stone said.
The idea of refurbishing the former South Sashabaw Elementary School into an interim senior center was nixed due to cost. Inspections by professionals volunteering their services found at least $150,000 in needed repairs.
The idea of expanding the facility at Bay Court for use as an interim senior center is preliminary, said township Clerk Shelagh Vanderveen.
If approved, the idea would include an expansion of about 3,000 square feet towards the gazebo, and new equipment for the kitchen.
‘It’s a beautiful location,? Vanderveen said. ‘We should at least take a look at it ? I hope everyone can keep an open mind.?
An interim center is needed as soon as possible because of the condition of the current senior center in Clinton Wood Park. A converted, 50-year-old farm house, halls are narrow, stairs are steep, and maintenance issues are many.
‘It should be condemned,? Vanderveen said.
‘My hope is that we don’t wait until disaster happens before something is done,? Stone said.
John Thomas, member of the township Senior Advisory Committee, thanked the board for their interest in providing new facilities for area seniors, but is opposed to the idea.
‘The footage there is less than we already have,? Thomas said.
Also, it is located away from where people live. The current center in Clinton Wood Park is centrally located. Transportation costs would increase too much, he said.
‘I am 100 percent against this possible move,? said John Nicholson of Clarkston. ‘The place we have now is not very good, but it’s better than moving to this far, inaccessible place.?
Bay Court Park, in the southeast corner of the township, is about four miles away from Clinton Wood.
‘If you move it to Andersonville Road, you might as well move it to Calumet or Houghton,? Nicholson said. ‘The location is terrible, and the building is not suitable.?
Bay Court Park’s current indoor facility includes a hall with seating for 50 people, used for dances, baby showers, weddings, and other community events.
The park also includes a community-built playscape, disc golf, and for rent a lakeside pavilion, seating about 40, and rectangular pavilion, seating about 125.