Senior center opens next week

NORWALK — Huron County's sparkling new senior center is scheduled to open on Jan. 6. The new building has been under construction since the early part of 2024. Pegged at a cost of $5 million, this 15,000-square-foot project is being fully paid for with federal American Rescue Plan funds. In other words, the funds aren't directly coming from local taxpayers. The new center is next to the Norwalk License Bureau and Title Office building on Shady Lane Drive. Steve Beal, executive director of Enrichment Centers for Huron County, which operates the senior center, said the new building will help his organization provide new and improved services for seniors. Among other aspects, it features: • A workout room where seniors can exercise • A travel room where seniors can plan their trips • A tech room where seniors can learn how to operate computers • Various social rooms, including for activities • A coffee bar along with a state-of-the-art kitchen The new kitchen was desperately needed because the organization provides up to 220 meals a day, Beal said. Those meals are either delivered or provided to seniors at the center. "Having an adequate kitchen was essential," Beal said. The center also has a conference room, which will be able to host smaller groups like the organization's book club. Beal also said the organization will open up its meeting rooms from time to time for other community groups that may be looking for a place to meet. Enrichment Centers has 37 employees. "They're super excited," Beal said of his staff. "For some of them, this is a dream come true." The center also was designed for and has details built in that are specifically for seniors. All of the restroom stalls are handicapped accessible, railings are on hallways, some tables have pop-out electrical outlets, and a coat hanger in the lobby looks like a piece of art. "I give all the credit to the architects," Beal said of architectural firm Garmann Miller, which has offices in Columbus and Minster in Ohio along with one in Indianapolis. He also praised the work of the construction company, Classical Construction out of Apple Creek, Ohio.