Woodburn is one of very few communities its size in Oregon to not have a city-owned facility designated for senior citizens. The Woodburn City Council recently said it would not spend money to help a group of seniors in getting funds for a new senior center, nor would it donate land. Thank goodness.
The voters of Woodburn have twice voted down a bond which included a new senior center. Woodburn used to have a facility for seniors to use, but it fell into disrepair, then got condemned. In a city with such an active senior population, there should be some sort of senior center for them to congregate — but not with taxpayer money. The taxpayers have spoken on the issue.
There are other places for senior citizens to meet. They currently are meeting in a church and there is also Senior Estates, which would require an associate membership. While that can be a little expensive for some, it offers everything they need.
The senior group that went before the Woodburn City Council reasoned a facility could be the first part in the city’s 10-year master plan. However, city officials said they want a multi-generational facility, not one designated for a particular age group. This is prudent thinking. Woodburn is much more than just senior citizens. There can be dedicated times where it’s seniors-only, but to spend the money on a senior-only facility just doesn’t make sense.
We are not denying there isn’t a need for a senior center in Woodburn. Make no mistake, there is a need, and a legitimate one. But at this time, in this economy, building a facility that Woodburn residents have spoken out against twice, doesn’t make sense.
