Seniors Weigh Options For New Site
A roomful of regulars met at the Valley Senior Citizens Center Thursday, to talk about moving the facility to Mirabeau Point, the community center planned to occupy the former Walk in the Wild Zoo site.
Claude Morris, a member of the county parks board and Valley civic activist, outlined for about 100 in attendance the plans for the complex - including ice arena, YMCA, teen center and amphitheater - and asked senior center patrons if they were interested in a spot there.
The foundation of the current senior center near Valley Mission Park is sinking, and the building will eventually have to be replaced. Morris said that Mirabeau Point isn’t the only option, though.
The facility could move to another spot, possibly near University City Shopping Center. Or, a new center could be built near the existing one.
“What I’m trying to do is prepare you for the question,” Morris told the group.
Questions raised by the senior center members centered mostly around transportation. Mirabeau Point is close to the planned Spokane Valley Mall, and some wondered if traffic would be too congested to accommodate a senior center.
The members were asked to fill out a survey asking where they want a new center to be located, and what they want it to offer.
Also, the Senior Center has scheduled an open house from 1-4 p.m., May 19 to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The event will include recognitions, entertainment, refreshments and door prizes.
More than 600 people belong to the center.
One purpose of the open house, said Randy Johnson, recreation director for Spokane County Parks and Recreation, is to heighten awareness of the center’s importance.
Fun with canoes
One way to enjoy this weekend’s weather is on the water.
The fifth-annual Spokane Paddle Fair is scheduled today at Liberty Lake County Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The fair, sponsored by Mountain Gear, offers a chance to let people try out some of more than 100 different canoes.
Manager Bob Clark said he expects 400 to 500 to participate, including many beginners.
A whitewater demonstration will also be held Sunday at 11 a.m., starting from Sullivan Park. That event is for experienced kayakers only.
To try out a new kayak, participants should bring their own wet suit, cold water gear, helmet, life jacket and paddle.
Library trustees to meet
The regular meeting of the Spokane County Library District Board of Trustees is Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at the Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne Road.
, DataTimes