The brand new senior citizens center in Stephenville – now named the Cross Timbers Legacy Center – has already proven its worth as a gift to the area and a legacy for multiple generations to enjoy.
Recently, the 7,500 square foot building opened at its new location at 830 S. Graham Street in Stephenville showcasing a Senior Prom Silver Edition Thursday, Jan. 16.
The $1.77 million building was built in a partnership between the city of Stephenville and Erath County, with the county contributing $500,000 to the project.
Due to this partnership everyone of all ages is able to use the center, regardless of their geographic location inside the county. Programming from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. is geared for those 55 and up, but family and friends are always welcome to attend anything with their loved ones.
“It’s truly multigenerational,” Upbeat Crusader Rhea Marrs said.
The Legacy (as many are now calling it for short) is everything a new senior center should be – bright, open, airy with level floors on a single level. The building showcases a large central room which was used to house the majority of the Prom, an indoor classroom, a catering kitchen, a lounge with indoor couches and tables perfect for picking up a game of spades, 42 or working on a puzzle, an outdoor patio, an outdoor kitchen and pickleball courts.
The pickleball courts and outdoor areas were possible thanks to donations by Jay Mills Contracting who donated dirtwork and concrete.
Parks and Recreation Darren Trussell explained how needed the new location was and how many things may be added in the future.
“The old space had a lot of major issues and it would have cost more to renovate the facility then just building a new one,” he said. “Financially, this just made more sense.”
The center, he said, provided a fresh start to those who need it more with much more useable space than the old location. Architect Fred Parker presented a near perfect plan, Trussell said, with only a few tweaks needed from the original.
“He did a really great job,” Trussell said.
Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter at the prom, it was evident the correct decision had been made.
During the dance, multiple generations could be seen whirling around the floor showing off their twisting moves while Chubby Checkers’ ‘The Twist’ played. Older generations wore poodle skirts, middle generations wore prom dresses and younger generations were decked out in their finest, fancy western attire.
Catering for the event was provided by Littlejohn’s and students from Tarleton State University were on hand to assist with the event under the aid of Dana Fitzpatrick, Director for Civic and Community Connection.
Groups including the Coffee and Cars Club, the Red Hat Steppers and the Old Goats were in attendance at the prom along with supporters of the new facility from Granbury, Early and Brownwood.
“It was great to see us come together,” Marrs said.
Trussell and his management team were also presents as well as city council members.
As The Legacy moves toward the future, a ribbon cutting and an expansion of classes and activities is anticipated.
“We really want everyone in the county to come use the facility,” Upbeat Crusader Debbie Watson said.
The Legacy will continue to offer such beloved activities such as yoga, bingo and bunco, but is looking into expanding into some continuing education classes especially those geared towards iphone and computer usage.
“We are willing to accommodate new ideas,” Kaley Barnette with the Stephenville Parks and Recreation Department said.
Though the majority of classes and activities at The Legacy will remain free, there are certain types of exercise classes like yoga that have always had an expense to attend.
“We will be looking at ways to bring down the cost of fitness classes for the next Fiscal Year,” Trussell said.
Though there are about 300 people who used the old center, Trussell hopes the new center will bring even more people in to use The Legacy.
“We were in that old building for more than 40 years and this is a great opportunity to enhance our programs and attract new members,” he said.
There are several special programs in February including a two-night Daddy/Daughter dance Feb. 6 and 7 hosted by Stephenville Parks and Rec and the Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council Annual Fundraiser Dinner Saturday, Feb. 8.
Though rental details for The Legacy are still being finalized there are already 20 rentals on the books for the upcoming year. For anyone interested in renting the facility, call 254-964-7418.
The Legacy is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.