WOODLAWN, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Monday joined state and local elected officials along with senior center members to break ground for the expansion of the Woodlawn Senior Center.

The renovation will add approximately 9,200 square feet of additional space to the existing 3,600 square foot center and include a large multipurpose room capable of housing two pickleball courts, large line dancing or aerobics classes, parties and celebrations, as well as a fitness center, two additional classrooms and council office space. In addition, the center will have a new parking area with 50 spaces, double its current number.

“Our senior centers are vital community anchors for so many of Baltimore County’s older adults, and this high-quality expansion will accommodate Woodlawn Senior Center’s rapidly growing member base,” said County Executive Olszewski. “This investment will create more equitable opportunities for our county’s seniors, helping to ensure our neighbors can stay active, stay connected, and age in place.”

The $6.7 million project includes $2 million in State funding, an $800,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Aging and $3.9 million in County capital funding. The newly expanded Woodlawn Senior Center is expected to open in early 2024.

“The State’s $2 million investment along with funding from our local partners will help expand the Woodlawn Senior Center and make it a more comfortable place to live for residents of this growing community,” said Maryland House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones. “Serving our senior community goes beyond quality health care. The new facilities and additional parking maintain an elevated standard of living and improve the quality of life for Baltimore County’s aging community.”

“The expansion of this beloved community hub and array of new amenities will be life changing for many residents,” said Maryland State Senator Charles Sydnor. “The Woodlawn Senior Center has long been a popular gathering place for our seniors; a place to take classes, play games, and simply enjoy one another’s company and will continue to be so for years to come.”

“With more than 1,000 members at the Woodlawn Senior Center, this expansion is a much-needed and exciting development for the community,” said County Council Chairman Julian Jones. “By more than tripling the size of this senior center, we will be able to do even more to support our residents, with a fitness center, additional rooms for programs and activities, and more. As Council Chairman, I will continue working with County Executive Johnny Olszewski and the Council to improve the quality of life for our residents.”

“The Woodlawn Senior Center has been an important place for our older adults and the entire community for many years,” said County Councilman Izzy Patoka. “It is so exciting that we are now expanding the senior center to be a state-of-the-art facility that we can all be proud of.”

“Supporting our seniors is a top priority for Baltimore County, and I’m thrilled to see the groundbreaking for the expansion of the Woodlawn Senior Center,” said County Councilman Pat Young. “With this expansion, our seniors in southwest Baltimore County will have access to even more resources and services to help them thrive. I look forward to continuing to work with County Executive Johnny Olszewski and the Council to invest even more in our communities.”

“We are very pleased to be able to offer an expanded center for the older adults of Woodlawn,” says Baltimore County Department of Aging Director Laura D. Riley. “Adding a fitness center will help improve health outcomes, and having year-round flexible space for line dancing, special events and pickleball will allow the center staff to further expand the diversity of programs offered.”

“We have been waiting for this day for many years,” says Baltimore County Department of Aging’s Senior Council President Patty Delotch. “Our membership has grown to more than 1,000 individuals and the Center is bursting at the seams!”

During the renovation, the adjacent recreation center will remain open for use by all, and Woodlawn’s seniors will meet at the Morningstar Baptist Church Outreach Center at 6665 Security Boulevard.

For more information regarding the Woodlawn Senior Center, call 410-887-6887.