Senioritis

Although seniors (ages 50 years and up) are not required to join, nonmembers have to pay $1 per visit to access the lounge, the upstairs walking track and the gym. Far better for many is to become a member for the low price of $20 per year (if you sign up by the end of June, this inaugural year only costs $13). Membership provides exclusive access to the lounge, half-court gymnasium and outdoor walking track; priority registration for Senior Center holiday lunches and special events; select programs for Club Card members and, last but not least, one complimentary coffee or tea on weekdays between 9-11 a.m. Even at $20 it sounded like a good deal to me (I of course took advantage of the introductory rate), so I filled out the simple form, paid my $13 (in cash; credit cards are also accepted), posed for a photo, and promptly received my membership card. Interested persons can streamline the process somewhat by applying online, at https://www.redwoodcity.org/departments/parks-recreation-and-community-services/seniors.

While I cannot yet say exactly what activities I plan to take advantage of, the list of services and activities provided at the center is quite a lengthy one. There are exercise classes for folks with special needs — the “Adaptive Physical Education” room has an impressive array of equipment — and fitness classes for the rest of us. There are yoga classes, quilting classes and even a tap-dancing class. In addition, there are numerous clubs, ranging from photography to writing to embroidery to mahjong to hiking and cycling. Services performed at the center include a number that address common senior needs, such as blood pressure screening, help dealing with hearing loss, and health insurance counseling. Oh, and there are free movies on Fridays at 1:15 p.m.

Activities and services aside, I expect I’ll get more than my money’s worth just by spending time in this new facility. I envision relaxing in the lounge, walking on the second-floor open-air track, admiring the work of the Master Gardeners on display in the center of that track, relaxing on the second-floor deck (there are tables and chairs up there), watching soccer practices and games on the adjacent Mitchell “49er” Field, and watching competitions in the gym from the second-floor observation area. And I’ll undoubtedly have lunch from time to time in the center’s cafeteria: Not only is the menu full of things I like to eat, the prices seem quite reasonable.

Immediately upon getting my membership card I set out to explore the facility. The 45,000-square-foot building is amazing, and has to be seen to be believed. A 279-seat auditorium anchors one end of the L-shaped building, while the double-height gym — which can be configured for half-court basketball, pickleball (two side-by-side courts) or volleyball — occupies the other. In between are the cafeteria, wellness and fitness areas, multipurpose rooms, a lounge and various offices. And throughout are displays honoring our local veterans, the NFL Alumni Association and the San Francisco 49ers — who for years trained on the field adjacent to the new building. Particularly impressive to me is the fact that the city hopes to receive LEED Platinum certification for this new building, thanks to its energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems, the various sustainable materials that were used in its construction, and its water-efficient design.

I continue to deal with my particular form of senioritis, but I must admit, becoming a senior does have certain benefits. Redwood City’s new Veterans Memorial Building/Senior Center, in Red Morton Park along Madison Avenue, is one of those benefits I will gladly take advantage of. Residents aged 50 and over should pay it a visit and see for themselves how they can take advantage of the city’s newest (perhaps greatest?) public resource.