EDITORIAL: Corte Madera Puts Residents First With New Intergenerational Hub
April 30 — The Corte Madera Town Council’s choice to lease empty commercial spaces for the good of the residents demonstrates their commitment to addressing community needs.
The town has agreed to a five-year rental agreement for a spot at the Bell Mt. Tam complex on Tamal Vista Boulevard. This will be used for setting up a fresh "Intergenerational Center." The plan aims to bring back an essential meeting point for senior citizens initially launched elsewhere in 2018 before being shut down two years later in 2020.
The 3,100-square-foot facility, which is projected to cost the town $337,000 annually to operate, was established based on responses from the June 2024 Age Friendly Corte Madera survey of locals aged 60 and above. These residents expressed interest in having a drop-in multipurpose center offering various classes, fitness programs, and social events.
The area, formerly occupied by Andy's Market, was among multiple sites the town considered as potential spots.
In the end, the community still aims to establish a senior center within the town-owned Park Madera Center; however, this vision may take between five to ten years to materialize. Additionally, the current space at the town center does not provide sufficient designated areas for various amenities such as patios. On the other hand, the location on Tamal Vista Boulevard has the potential to fulfill these requirements and cater to the preferences and necessities of elderly residents in the vicinity.
Moreover, the Tamal Vista location offers ample space that can be leased to the Corte Madera Chamber of Commerce, as they plan to vacate their current premises at the Town Center shopping complex.
Due to the facility’s closeness to Redwood High School and the plan to conclude senior activities by 3 p.m., the town is exploring the possibility of utilizing part of the area for youth programs instead.
The Corte Madero Community Foundation has pledged $50,000 annually for the next half-decade towards Age-Friendly Corte Madera. Ongoing community efforts will supplement these funds to further assist with sustaining both the center and its programs.
The town is contributing its portion through the use of its Measure F sales tax, the levy approved by voters in 2018, some of which was designated for senior services.
The main objective of this center is to organize various events for elderly individuals aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles and decreasing feelings of loneliness. Initial proposals encompass sessions like reading groups, a stitching circle, visual arts lessons, Zumba workouts, chair yoga, bingo games, bridge evenings, and poker nights.
Mayor Pat Ravasio stated, "People have an increasing urge to come together more frequently."
Over 18% of the town’s residents are above the age of 65.
The center aims to offer chances for that part of the community to “connect.” Connecting with them and maintaining their engagement has consistently been a key focus for the members of Age Friendly Corte Madera. Even as a temporary measure until a permanent location can be established at Park Madero, this center will serve as a vital focal point for achieving those objectives.
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