WESTBOROUGH – A space for seniors. A space for veterans. A space for town groups.
A space for everyone.
On Tuesday, July 30, representatives from BH+A Architects heard from members of the community about what they want within a multigenerational community center.
From the more than 50 people who attended either the afternoon or evening session, at least one message was clear — the center must have a dedicated space for seniors.
“I’d like a dedicated senior center,” said resident Adrianna Baltimore.
Formerly the home of Boston Sports Clubs, the building at 1500 Union St. has two floors totaling about 64,000 square feet. According to Joel Bargmann, principal of BH+A, the second floor “doesn’t need a lot of work.” This floor includes a basketball court, fitness areas and a pool.
Bargmann said the pool, which currently has a depth of 4 feet, could be made shallower for water aerobics classes and other programs.
Current plans call for the Westborough Recreation Department to move into the second floor.
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The first floor — once home to Steinmart and a seasonal Halloween store — would become the new home for the senior center.
Town Manager Kristi Williams said that such a space for seniors was among the priorities listed in the senior needs assessment conducted last year.
Several speakers made their case for veterans to have a dedicated space.
“There are 550 veterans in town, and there’s no home for them,” said John Gallinagh, a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts. “We need a place for veterans to feel comfortable and confident.”
Gallinagh added that having such a space would help veterans connect with Veterans Administration programs, such as health care, tai chi and yoga.
There’s also the possibility of having the veterans services office move into the community center.
On having space for the veterans, Williams said, “We’ve heard this request loud and clear.”
Resident Kris Allen said that after she visited the community center in Upton, she’d like to see the new center include a commercial kitchen, a quiet lounge, space to store medical equipment for loan outs, an office for a visiting nurse, a large meeting room for dinners and club meetings, an art gallery and a stage.
Participants also asked about having additional storage space at the new center, along with more restrooms, a second elevator, a walking track and a stage.
A commercial kitchen could include an alcove for Meals on Wheels prep and delivery. Should residents approve a walk-in pantry and/or a walk-in cooler, such amenities could qualify for state funds, according to Bargmann.
Participants would also like a game room just for the pool, and other rooms for games and programs.
Other residents would like to have this center offer flexible space for children, as well as town organizations such as the Girl Scouts.
What’s next
There was one more meeting scheduled for Monday, Aug. 5.
The project team has also created a survey, which will be open until Friday, Aug. 9. Print copies are available at the senior center and the Westborough Public Library. An online version is on the town’s website.
Once the input is gathered, the project team will work on designs and cost estimates; the goal will be to present at fall Town Meeting in October.
Learn more about the project at https://www.westboroughma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=173
