Senior Center Expansion Project Opening in Late October

The South Brunswick Senior Center will unveil the addition a new wellness center at a grand opening slated for later this month.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Oct. 24 for the 10,500-square foot addition, which will bring the total area of the center to about 26,000-square feet.

The expansion includes a small room for low impact exercise equipment that allows members to work out, along with new exam rooms. The wellness center will also host physical fitness activities, health and wellness lectures, and doctor screenings through a partnership with local hospitals.

The council approved an ordinance last year that appropriated $2.9 million for both the expansion to the center and for lights to be installed on the softball fields at Reichler Park. Both projects were funded by open space money, with Middlesex County providing a 50 percent match.

The center, which was built in the 1970’s, was long overdue for an upgrade, according to township officials. The center's current multi-purpose room is regularly filled for a variety of programs and is also employed as a shelter during emergencies like Hurricane Sandy.

Of the nearly 44,000 people living in South Brunswick, about 22 percent are between the ages of 45 and 64-years-old, and about 7 percent are over the age of 65. The Senior Center currently has about 3,100 active members. The addition of 10,000-square feet will bring the total area of the center to about 26,000-square feet.

"The town continues to grow and we've seen a dramatic increase in the people using the Senior Center," said Public Affairs Coordinator Ron Schmalz in a prior interview. "A lot of residents are reaching that 55 and over age group, so we've seen more and more people taking part in the programs we offer."

The grand opening ceremony and festivities are scheduled for Oct. 24 at 11 a.m. at the center, located at 540 Ridge Road in Monmouth Junction.