Senior Center opens to mixed reviews

It's been a little over two weeks since the $8.9 million Hillcrest Senior Center opened its doors. Reviews from its patrons are mixed.

Lupe Montoya said she appreciates the city's effort, but she has a few critiques.

"I think they spent too much and didn't have to spend as much as they did," Montoya said.

She wished the city would've added a private pool for senior citizens.

"But it is a nice building and I'm glad the city did their part to look out for us," Montoya said.

Maria Salas said she likes the new building, but now she has a longer commute.

"It's a lovely building. I just wish it was a bit closer from my house," Salas said.

Curry Resident Senior Meals Association Director Richelle Whitecotton said some don't like change, but "pretty much everyone is enjoying the new building."

While some residents said the facility initially had electrical and plumbing issues, Whitecotton everything was fully up and running as of Thursday.

"This is an amazing area. You have so many communities coming out to support our senior citizens," Whitecotton said.

Whitecotton said the facility has also been well received by employees as they are given more space to work with and newer equipment to service guests.

Senior Service Director Barbara Riggan said the previous Friendship Senior Center at 1704 E. Seventh St. wasn't big enough for staff and visiting seniors.

"It was a very small facility. The kitchen staff was working shoulder to shoulder trying to get meals out to seniors," Riggan said.

Riggan said the city was "outgrowing the facility" and there were several lasting repairs that needed to be done.

The new facility is about 16,000 square feet; the old senior center was about 12,000 square feet, Riggan said.

Riggan said it is still undetermined what the city will do with the old facility.