Emporia Recreation Commissioners heard several comments from local seniors on the potential creation of a new position catering specifically to their needs at the rec center.
Nearly 40 senior members of the rec attended the recent ERC meeting Monday evening where they implored commissioners to consider approval of a 50 Plus Program Supervisor position. The role of the supervisor, as stated Monday evening, would be to develop and oversee unique programming for senior rec members while also providing outreach and informational resources to the local senior population.
Among the individuals to speak Monday evening was Shelley Abounabhan who noted seniors make up more than 70 percent of the rec center’s membership. She says those numbers could grow significantly if area seniors only had a bit of additional information and education as to how they can access and benefit from rec programming.
Abounabhan also claimed Monday evening that if the commission were able to grow its membership by just five percent, the additional revenues would likely cover the cost of the position. The position has been the focus of conversations in past months but was ultimately tabled at the request of ERC members who wanted additional information on the subject according to ERC Chairman Jeremy Dorsey.
While speaking with KVOE News Monday evening, Dorsey noted he is in favor of the position and believes it would be a great service to their 50 and over members. Abounabhan, and other seniors, expressed a desire Monday evening for the position to be created sooner than later and well ahead of the construction of a new rec facility.
Abounabham says it will likely take two to three years for a new center to be constructed and up and running and this is a position she and others feel cannot and should not wait that long.
Dorsey agreed with this assertion and noted he believes the supervisor can have a significant impact on the community regardless of where it is located.
Word on when the ERC will revisit discussions on the matter has yet to be announced.
