DENNIS – Proposals for a Senior/Community Center in Dennis were presented to selectmen Tuesday night.
The Senior/Community Center Feasibility Study Committee presented plans on the proposed 45,000-square-foot facility to selectmen, before they hold a number of hearings this summer.
Selectmen approved the committee’s plans to go ahead and hold those hearings at their meeting last night.
The committee met previously last week to go over changes to their plan, which they hope to bring to Town Meeting in the fall.
Committee Chairman Gary Barber said demolishing the building and building a new facility can’t be an option.
“There’s a lot of people in town who put a lot of effort into donating this building to the town for a senior center, and I feel that, that’s their legacy and I would hate to see that legacy go away when we can actually utilize the building and save money,” said Barber.
The current facility on Route 134 is 12,000 square feet. It could be renovated to include a pool and gym and to offer activities for people of all ages, at an expected cost of $10 to $13 million.
Barber said he wants the new senior/community center to appeal to everyone.
“Men’s basketball, volleyball, pickleball, badminton, tennis, you name it, this is what we’re trying to create here, a center that can be used for all ages,” said Barber.
