The Highlands Ranch Metro District recently started offering inaugural memberships to the new senior center. The memberships will be available up until the much-anticipated center officially opens.

Several years ago, the metro district determined there was a need for services to support the needs of the Highlands Ranch senior population. To meet that need, the district approved the construction of a new senior center to be located on the southside of Highlands Ranch Parkway, east of Broadway. 

The building will be about 22,000 square feet, with a total site footprint of nearly five acres. 

In addition, Douglas County will have a 2,000 square foot area that functions as a satellite office, which will provide social services such as resources and referrals. 

According to the metro district website, the senior center is anticipated to open in March of 2024. 

In the meantime, adults 55 years of age and older, including their spouse, are eligible for an inaugural membership to the senior center. 

Those with the membership will experience many of the fall programs offered by the center before it opens in 2024, which senior center staff have put together at Mountainview Community Christian Church, located at 40 E Highlands Ranch Pkwy. 

In addition to some of the social activities such as social hours and board games, Community Relations Manager Sherry Eppers said the metro district will be offering programs throughout Healthy Aging Month and National Senior Center Month in September. 

These programs include a trail walk and barbeque, introduction to pickleball, introduction to bocce ball, a picnic lunch and games at Northridge Park located at 8800 S Broadway. 

“All these programs in September for Healthy Aging Month are all complimentary from the district,” said Eppers. 

There are also a variety of classes available for a fee. 

Fitness classes include strength and balance, yoga, and a rhythm and moves dance class. 

Among the numerous classes, others include art, fall succulent arraignment, holiday wreath making and estate planning. 

Descriptions and registration for programs can be found at https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/cohighlandsranchwt.wsc/splash.html. 

The one-time membership fee of $20 for Highlands Ranch residents and $25 for nonresidents is available until the door to the center officially opens. 

“Those inaugural members will get that $10 discount on a 2024 annual membership once the senior center opens,” said Eppers. 

Inaugural membership benefits include:

• A $10 discount on the 2024 annual membership
• An inaugural membership pin
• A key fob with an inaugural membership design 
• Reduced fees for senior center programs
• Free access to virtual program 
• First access to volunteer opportunities 

Inaugural members will also have the opportunity to attend a pre-opening event. The date of the event has yet to be determined, but it will be based on the construction and grand opening schedule, said Eppers. 

The details for the pre-opening event are still being finalized. 

“People will be able to be among the first people to see and tour the new senior center,” said Eppers. 

Memberships can be purchased at the Metro District Service Center, 3290 Redstone Park Circle, by cash, check or credit card. Proof of age will be required at registration. 

More information regarding the membership and fall programs can be found at highlandsranch.org/recreation/senior-center-programs-services or by calling 303-785-0320.