Park & Recreation Commission Item

 

Senior Center Quarterly Report

July 1-September 30, 2026

It’s been a great summer at the Senior Center with weekly programs continuing as usual as well as several classes and special events. On a daily basis, there are folks stopping in to see the new space and learn more about what the Senior Center has to offer.

We recorded 886 visits to the Senior Center in July, 1,037 in August and estimate 930 visits in September. Senior Center attendance has historically been lower in the summer with many patrons spending time at the lake, with family and traveling. Construction and parking concerns must also be factored into attendance numbers.

 

SUMMER RECAP

The Senior Center partnered with the Commission on Aging to host the annual July 3 Expo table and the July 4 Free Family Bingo Tent. We had well over 50 interactions with individuals at the Expo table to discuss dementia awareness and resources.

The Bingo event saw over 500 participants of all ages. We are grateful for the many local businesses who provided gift certificates and gift baskets for prizes at this event. Over $1,500 in prizes were given away. Hosted once again by Dave Ryan and supported by the city’s teen volunteers, the event was filled with laughter, competitiveness and fun! The time change and move to the “big tent” were both positive changes and the professional sound system ensured all participants could hear well. In addition, the Commission on Aging partnered with Helping Paws Assistance Animals and raised just over $1,000 in donations for the organization.

 

QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS

After July 4, we kicked off a partnership with the Normandale Center for Healing and Wholeness to sponsor a “Matter of Balance” class, which quickly filled and a long waiting list was created. Due to the success and interest of the class, we have plans to repeat the class in 2027. This partnership continued with the Center providing “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” class starting in August. The real success comes not only from the class itself, but seeing participants make genuine connections as they connect after the class, sharing resources and support with each other as caregivers and as friends. August also brought a partnership with Senior Planet as they presented a three-part series on artificial intelligence (AI). Each class brought over 40 participants with a good number of folks who hadn’t been to any other Senior Center program.  We will continue to partner with Senior Planet to schedule tech-related presentations in the future.

Summer trips took us to Al & Alma’s on Lake Minnetonka, the Minnesota Twins (we were there for the walk-off grand slam!), Buddy Holly and Beatles tribute bands at the Paramount in St. Cloud and a trip to Austin, MN is coming up on September 30. 

This quarter also brought a lunch concert by Elvis impersonator Anthony Shore attended by 65 people. We’re wrapping up the quarter by partying on the Senior Center porch. Our first party featured the Chan-Jammers in-house senior band and root beer floats, and we welcomed 50 people to the event. The next party will be September 25 and feature the Uke-A-Chans Ukulele group and we’re planning to serve apple pie.

 

COMMISSION ON AGING

Commissioners were invaluable in collecting prizes for the 4^th of July bingo event as well as assisting at the event – handing out bingo cards, directing participants, etc.

The COA participated in a county-wide Commissioners meeting at Lake Waconia Regional Park on September 10 where they were able to connect with commissioners from other communities and learn more about Roundtable Rx, the Carver County Family Resource Center and the statewide Toward Zero Deaths program. On September 23 the COA will be touring Carver Oaks, a senior living residence in Carver, which is a CDA project.

 

LOOKING AHEAD

The next quarter will be filled with fun and helpful programs for our seniors. We are hosting several Medicare help sessions as open enrollment approaches, flu shot clinic on October 6, monthly foot care appointments, support groups, 55+ driver safety classes and more.

Special events include Town Talk with Mayor Ryan on October 5, Oktoberfest Celebration on October 9, Veteran’s Breakfast on November 12 and the Holiday Party on December 17. City Council Members and City Commissioners are invited to attend our events and meet patrons utilizing our services. Please contact Jackie Sorensen, Senior Center Coordinator, for more information or to register for events as our honored guest.

 

SENIOR CENTER SURVEY

A Senior Center survey has been distributed to those on the Senior Center email list, with paper copies available. To date, there have been 95 submissions and the survey remains open.

A brief synopsis of the results:

• 50% of responders have not yet visited the Senior Center, 31% report visiting occasionally and 19% indicate they are regular users of the Senior Center.
• When asked how they find out about Senior Center activities, the top responses were through email (40%) and the Chanhassen Connections magazine (18%).
• Top requests for programs included educational classes (14.5%), health and wellness classes (14.25%) and arts and crafts (13%).
• Responders indicated they are very interested in technology topics, local history, local resources, and program topics and timing that work for folks in the 55-65 age range.

Jackie will continue to use these survey results as she makes programming decisions for the future. The next Senior Expo will be held in 2027. Jackie and Priya are working together to solicit sponsorships from community businesses to support the Senior Center and the Park and Rec programming on a broader scale. We’re looking forward to the upcoming months in the Senior Center!