Discussion:
Currently the Shakopee Senior Club has around 120 members, about 40 of which are active in the club. The Parks & Recreation Department facilitates their activities by providing them space in the Community Room at the Community Center. While this relationship works for both parties we've seen growing confusion from other seniors that visit the facility about what programs and events they can participate in. Staff met with the Senior Club board members and offered two options for moving forward in our facility in the hopes of eliminating the confusion and enhancing the senior programs.
The first option was to let the Senior Club continue to operate as it has been and be considered an outside organization, coordinating their own activities and events. The second option was to form a partnership with the department and create an advisory board with city staff and elected board members to plan and implement programs and events for all seniors. At the last Senior Club meeting the members unanimously voted to move forward with the partnership.
By forming this partnership, and essentially eliminating the Senior Club, we can create a welcoming environment for all seniors that is free of charge, minus any programs they would have to register for. This partnership will help the Parks & Recreation Department get a better idea of what types of programming this population would like to participate in as well as increase the marketing of the facility and current program offerings.