A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday morning for the future new home of the Independence County Senior Citizens Program’s Senior Center.
“It will be a regional showplace, really, for a senior citizens center,” Independence County Judge Kevin Jeffery (pictured below) told the crowd at the ceremony, which was organized by the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce.
(Scroll down for architectural renderings of the new Senior Center and photos from today’s groundbreaking.)
“This is going to be an exciting addition to our county,” said Jeffery. “The folks that are going to benefit from this are people who have had a career, they’ve paid their taxes, and they need a healthy place to have activities, to have a meal, and to have fellowship.”
Independence County Judge Kevin Jeffery
The property, at 950 Elm St. behind the Batesville School District Administration Offices, was donated to the county by the school district after having been part of its Water Street campus for decades.
At today’s event, Jeffery thanked various individuals and organizations involved in the building of the facility. Independence County Judge Robert Griffin (pictured below), who helped initiate the project during his tenure, also expressed appreciation to others, including the Batesville School District for the property donation. He also said the project could not have been completed without cooperation and teamwork from all involved.
Former Independence County Judge Robert Griffin
According to a Jan. 27, 2023, article from White River Now, the building will include:
- The expansion of wellness activities for seniors aged 60 and older.
- An increase in services to the community, including meal programs and events.
- The capacity to conduct simultaneous events, Bible classes, exercise programs, media presentations, and dining facilities.
- The ability to offer programs and activities more attractive to active seniors aged 60-70.
- The site will also include a parking area for buses.
County American Rescue Plan Act funds and a grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission are providing funding for the project.
Click here for more information on the new Independence County Senior Citizens Program’s Senior Center plans.
Images by Gena Tate, White River Now
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