Projects Approved for Senior Center

Three small expansion projects at the Goebel Senior Adult Center have been approved by city leaders to help accommodate the more than 145,000 seniors who use the facility each year.

The number of participants in the center’s programs has increased by 300% during the last nine years, said Tex Ward, general manager of the Conejo Recreation and Park District, which runs the facility.

“With more and more people using the facility each year, the buildings are just packed,” said John Done, president of the Goebel Senior Center Commission.

In addition to the small projects--including expanding a storage room and an activity room--City Council members agreed to study the feasibility of a larger effort to enlarge the center’s main hall and patio activity room.

One of the most popular programs run out of the 17,200-square-foot building is the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, which recruits volunteers for various nonprofit organizations.

Because the number of volunteers has nearly doubled since 1991 to 1,300, Ward said people are forced into the halls during meetings and functions. Under the expansion plan approved Tuesday, the area designated for the RSVP group will be reconfigured to add 970 square feet.

The park district operates the center, but the city owns the property and funds maintenance. The three small projects will cost about $150,000, said Deputy City Manager Scott Mitnick. The more ambitious expansion project could cost up to $1 million, which is why more study is needed.

The architect is expected to report back to the council in two months.