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Community Corner

Senior Center Gets Building Award

Recognized for excellence in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

 


Hats off to the Senior Center of San Leandro. It bagged the Best Facility Award from the California Parks & Recreation Society's District 3, which includes Alameda and Costa Contra counties.

The ceremony was held Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Brentwood Community Center.

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The award was received by Janice Woycheshin, the Chairperson of the Senior Commission; Carolyn Knudtson, the city of San Leandro's Recreation and Human Services Director; and Senior Commissioners Bella Comelo, Phyllis Gee and Cimberly Tamura.

“This is a great honor” said Ms. Woycheshin. “I am thrilled."

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The California Parks and Recreation Society Awards Program recognizes individuals, agencies and facilities that excel in service to the community.  It works to provide recreational experiences to individuals and families, which includes promoting health and wellness as well as protecting natural resources.

This award is a fitting tribute for the young Center.

The ceremony dedicating the San Leandro Center was held on Dec. 16, 2010 and it was opened to the public on April 1, 2011.  

The modernistic building enriches the lives of the seniors of San Leandro by offering an array of social, recreational and health-related activities.

The 21, 000 sq. ft building was constructed at the cost of $11 million.  It is a considered a "green" building because of features like the effective use of natural light, storm water management, low-flow water fixtures, use of recycled building materials and water efficient landscaping. The building qualified for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) certification, a voluntary green building designation.

The Senior Center serves the growing senior population of San Leandro, as well as seniors from nearby San Lorenzo, Hayward and Oakland.

Ms. Carolyn Knudtson, Louie Despeaux and other staff, along with a large number of enthusiastic volunteers, make sure that the needs of the seniors are met and that they feel welcome and comfortable at the Center.

Participation in senior classes has increased 189 percent since the Center was opened in April 2011, according to Joann Oliver, Recreation and Human Services Manager, of the City of San Leandro.

"One just need visit the Senior Community Center to know that the building is a success," Oliver said. "Receiving this award for building design is a wonderful acknowledgement of the effort that went into creating a multi-functional building that serves seniors and also functions as the City's Emergency Operation Center."

Kudos to all who are part of this Center. 

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