Newly renovated Woodlawn Senior Center opens with pickleball and parking
Dec 19, 2024
Woodlawn Senior Center is now nearly triple its previous size after a major renovation that added space for fitness, events, and other needs of Baltimore County’s older residents.The renovated center opened its doors Wednesday to its rapidly growing membership of more than 1,000 older adults.Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Department of Aging leadership, and other state and local elected officials joined the celebration of the new center, which grew from about 3,600 square feet to 9,200 square feet.“Our senior centers are vital community anchors for so many of Baltimore County’s older adults, and this renovation has made the Woodlawn Senior Center a destination for residents countywide to enjoy sports and fitness activities, art, social events, and more,” Olszewski said. “Investing in these centers creates more equitable opportunities for our county’s seniors, helping to ensure our neighbors can stay active, stay connected, and age in place.”The center now has a large multipurpose room that can accommodate two pickleball courts, line dancing, aerobics classes, and parties. There are also classrooms, a new fitness center, increased storage, office space, and double the parking capacity the previous senior center had.“We are thrilled to provide an expanded center to meet the needs of older adults of Woodlawn,” said Heang K. Tan, director of the Baltimore County Department of Aging. “The new fitness addition will promote healthy lifestyle choices with a flexible space ideal for line dancing, special events, and pickleball. It will open the door to new programs and bring people together year-round, fostering greater social connection and strengthen our sense of community.”Woodlawn Senior Center is one of 20 senior centers Baltimore County operates. There are over 10,000 registered members across the county. The Woodlawn location was established in 2005 and became a popular hub for the community, resulting in a 1,500 square foot renovation in 2008.“This expansion is a direct response to the membership growth, which has surpassed 1,000 individuals,” said Lisa Kennedy, Chief of the Division of Senior Centers and Wellness. “The Woodlawn members have been strong advocates throughout this project, and it’s wonderful to see them enjoying this beautiful new space.”Capital funding for the $8.1 million project came from the State, County, and an $800,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Aging.For more information about the Woodlawn Senior Center, click this link.