Plans for new Riverton Senior Center underway

(South Valley Journal) -- Plans for a new 19,000-square-foot, $5.5 million senior center at 12830 South Redwood Road, continue to move forward. Following three separate public focus groups hosted by Blaylock and Associates, the center’s architect, Riverton city officials have been presented with an executive summary.

The summary includes interior square footage, site location and a development time line.

“Architects are currently working on the exterior finishes and design of the building,” said Sheril Garn, parks and recreation director. “We are presenting the completed design to the planning commission now and hope to have it to the mayor and city council in June or early July.”

Construction is expected to begin in the fall, with a grand opening planned for December 2010.

Garn has been very impressed with the architectural firm. “The architect has been very receptive to our citizens,” she said. “They have listened to what the community wants and continue to pay close attention to detail.”

One of the most important elements in the new facility is additional programming space. Currently, the only on-site space available for activities and events is the dining room, where take down and restoration take a significant amount of time.

The executive summary points to an interior design that provides a number of activity rooms in addition to dining space. “There will be space for aerobics, arts and crafts, seminars and private counseling,” said Garn.

The new, modern space will allow staff to expand programming from three to five days a week, which will better serve the growing senior population in Riverton, Bluffdale and Herriman.

“We look forward to seeing final plans for the new center,” said Mayor Bill Applegarth.

A copy of the exterior finishes and design will be available at the current senior center, 12890 South Redwood Road, following review and approval by city officials. Original Article