WOODLAWN, MD—Baltimore County has unveiled a newly renovated Woodlawn Senior Center, boasting a larger facility and updated amenities to accommodate its rapidly growing membership. The $8.1 million project was celebrated with a grand opening ceremony on December 18, 2024, attended by County Executive Johnny Olszewski, state and local officials, and community members.

The center, originally 3,600 square feet, has nearly tripled in size to 9,200 square feet. The renovation project was driven by the increasing demand for services and activities from the center’s membership, which has surpassed 1,000 older adults.

“Our senior centers are vital community anchors for so many of Baltimore County’s older adults, and this renovation has made the Woodlawn Senior Center a destination for residents countywide to enjoy sports and fitness activities, art, social events, and more,” said Olszewski. “Investing in these centers creates more equitable opportunities for our county’s seniors, helping to ensure our neighbors can stay active, stay connected, and age in place.”

The expanded center now features a spacious multipurpose room that can accommodate a variety of activities, including two pickleball courts, line dancing classes, aerobics, and social events. A new fitness center, two classrooms, increased storage space, and office space for senior council members have also been added. Parking capacity for visitors has doubled to accommodate the growing number of attendees.

Heang K. Tan, the Baltimore County Department of Aging’s Director, expressed excitement about the expanded center for Woodlawn’s older adults. “The new fitness addition will promote healthy lifestyle choices with a flexible space ideal for line dancing, special events, and pickleball. It will open the door to new programs and bring people together year-round, fostering greater social connection and strengthen our sense of community.”

The Woodlawn Senior Center, one of twenty operated by Baltimore County, serves over 10,000 registered members. Funding for the project was made possible through a collaborative effort between state and county funds, with an additional $800,000 grant provided by the Maryland Department of Aging.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photos via Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski