SWAMPSCOTT – The Select Board voted unanimously to convene a working group to conduct a feasibility study of a potential community center.
A community center is a facility that provides recreational opportunities for seniors and other community members from diverse population groups.
Heidi Whear, director of senior services, joined the board to share who she would like to see on the task force. She recommended including one member each from the Swampscott For All Ages Committee, the Council on Aging, the Parent Teacher Organization, Veterans Services, the Finance Committee, the Recreation and Disability Commissions, and the Select Board.
The remaining two positions would be filled by local residents, with Whear and City Manager Sean Fitzgerald suggesting that one person have architectural experience.
“We did a needs assessment for all ages in 2019 and found that we really need more space for our seniors,” Whear said. “We really believe that a community center that is an intergenerational place where people can come together would be a wonderful place for all of us.”
In May, Town Meeting voters voted to allocate $100,000 from the town’s capital budget to hire a consultant for the feasibility study. Chairwoman MaryEllen Fletcher expressed her belief that the Select Board did not have enough time to review the proposal before approving it. In addition, she favored forming a committee rather than immediately hiring a consultant.
“In fact, a lot of time and research has already been invested in the idea of a Community Life Center,” said Vice Chair Katie Phelan. “We have engaged several communities and their own centers and collected ideas on what a Community Life Center might look like.”
Phelan also volunteered to serve as the Select Board liaison for the task force.
Board member Danielle Leonard emphasized the importance of ensuring that the community feels involved in the center’s development process should it be realized.
“We form committees with an idea without really checking to see if it’s on the priority list of the people who live here,” Leonard said. “Every time we build a building or think about building a building, that’s a big conversation for me with the city.”
