2012-11-26 Community Center Task Force Final Report

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Recommendations • Determine how services get delivered We believe that a community center would augment the excellent resources that Lexington already offers, and would enrich the lives of all its citizens. We therefore recommend that Lexington create or repurpose a building to house a community center. A facility that houses generations, activities, and community departments is critical to resolving our needs. This facility should be the home of the Human Services and Recreation departments, organizations with the expertise needed to provide programs and activities to meet our needs. By locating Human Services and Recreation in a building where the activities and programs will be held, the departments will be able to collaborate, providing a comprehensive menu of services and activities without the duplication that is inevitable when serving the same populations in different places. This facility should also be the centralized location for community information and volunteer opportunities, and the gathering place for the Lexington community. A community center is more than the sum of its parts. Not only will it be a place where people receive town services and participate in programs; a community center is a way for Lexington to capture the vitality of its people and cultures, and to give back the energy and support that each one of us provides. It will serve both as a focal point for our community and as a source of civic pride. Specifically, the task force recommends the following: • Construct a new building or repurpose an existing facility Dedicated space for seniors and teens Offices for Human Resources and Recreation departments Centralized information and volunteer services Flexible rooms for meetings, casual gathering space with food service for drop -in activities, exercise space for all Centrally located or on public transportation routes Ample parking • Provide for intergenerational, interest - based, and therapeutic programming • Encourage community- sponsored activities • Bring the center to fruition • Appoint a follow -on task force to develop the next steps of the process November 26, 2012 Final Report 5