I am writing this letter on behalf of some of the senior citizens that go to the Senior Center to eat lunch. On Thursday June 16 I attended the Bend Park and Recreation panel discussion about moving the noon meal to the Bend Community Center. I think this is a terrible idea. I don't see anything wrong with how things have been and neither did any of the seniors we sat with during the panel discussion. It feels like Bend Park and Rec wants to cater to the more active younger senior population and displace the older seniors who attend the Senior Center for their noon meal.
WHY?
They said by moving the noon meal to the Bend Community Center they could feed 300 people yet there are not enough parking places for all those cars. The location also does not have access to our city bus system. The current location on Reed Market has plenty of parking, trees and is easily wheelchair accessible. It is my understanding seniors donated money to build the current Senior Center. Now money is going to be needed to make sure the Bend Community Center meets the needs of seniors? Where is the money going to come from? SENIORS?
- Sharon Smith
