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(Communications manager, Patrick Gavin is providing the current edition.)
As part of Chanhassen’s new Civic Campus, a modern Senior Center is set to open later this year — and it’s been purposefully designed with input from residents to reflect the needs, interests and vibrancy of the city’s growing senior population.
The new Senior Center will occupy a dedicated wing of the Civic Campus, with a layout that prioritizes comfort, accessibility and connection.
At its core is a 1,500-square-foot community room that will host everything from educational talks to social gatherings, special events and celebrations. With an attached kitchen, this flexible space is perfect for sharing meals, potlucks and programming that brings people together.
One of the most exciting features of the new facility is the makerspace — a hands-on creative zone for woodcarving, painting, crafting and other projects. Residents expressed interest in having spaces that spark creativity and allow for hobbies beyond traditional classroom-style activities. The makerspace delivers just that, encouraging new learning and shared experiences.
In addition to the community room and makerspace, the new Senior Center will offer a dedicated program room, private conference space for one-on-one consultations and conveniently located restrooms.
Just outside, seniors will enjoy easy access to the Civic Campus plaza and park amenities, including shaded seating areas and a scenic walking path that connects the facility to the nearby library via a heated sidewalk.
Importantly, the new Senior Center reflects a vision that goes beyond basic amenities. It was designed to create a true sense of belonging — a place where older adults can engage, explore and feel a strong connection to their community. With feedback from past users and senior advocates helping shape the final plan, the new space builds on years of momentum and a clear goal: to serve Chanhassen’s seniors with dignity, opportunity and joy.
As we prepare to open the doors later this year, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents into a space that honors the past while embracing new possibilities for aging well — and aging together.
