27-01-2025
New changes in store for Miami Senior Citizens' Center
MIAMI, Okla. – Several remodeling projects are on the drawing board for the new Senior Citizens' Center, according to Miam city leaders.
'We believe the Miami Seniors' Center is a vitally important resource for residents and a valued community gathering place,' said Miami City Manager Tyler Cline in a prepared statement released by city officials. 'The entire City of Miami administration, staff, Council, and Mayor are dedicated to doing all we can to help revitalize the center.'
Miami's Chief Operating Officer Kevin Browning, who oversees facilities, released plans to add a new kitchen space. The Seniors' Center facility houses the DOCS program's kitchen, which provides senior citizens meals and services to residents throughout Ottawa County.
Other plans include replacing the water line, updating and refreshing the facility's aesthetics with new paint, replacing carpeted areas with better flooring, and adding new appliances and other furnishings.
Grand Gateway, Rural Economic Action Plan, and United Way grants will fund the $90,000 improvement project.
Currently, the center offers an on-site gym, a three-table poolroom, a library filled with books, games, and puzzles, a 1/8-mile outdoor walking track sponsored by Integris Health, two meeting rooms, and a rentable ballroom with a soon-to-be-completed on-site kitchen. Activities offered at this time include pay-to-play Bingo, Bunco, pool tournaments, card games, Canasta and Bridge, Mexican Train Dominos, exercise and stretching classes, Tai Chi classes, and community events.
Following the dissolution of the former Miami Seniors' Center board, the group was reorganized, and the ownership reverted to the city.
A newly formed Board of Directors will oversee the Center and serve as an advisory board to the Miami City Council. Members of the Miami Seniors' Center board are:
Chairperson/President Kyla Jones
Vice Chair/Vice President Carmen Couch
Secretary Carol Underhill
Treasurer Kathy Wright
Member Eldon Johnston
The Miami Seniors Center Board is also looking at creating guidelines and a fee schedule for public rental use of the facility to expand the center's use and generate revenue.
'We're ready to have all the necessary things for the Center in place so we can get to all the fun stuff,' Jones said, 'We're looking at expanding the Center's use and making it accessible and attractive to our senior community. It's an exciting time for the Miami Senior Center.'
The Miami Seniors' Center Board's regular meetings at the center are scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month and are open to the public. Membership fees are a yearly fee of $25, giving members access to the facility and most events and programs.
Follow the Center's Facebook page for more updated information about activities and events. The Miami Seniors' Center, located at 2104 Denver Harner Drive in Miami, is open Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for more information, call (918) 542-5587.
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