SWAMPSCOTT — The Select Board voted unanimously in favor of assembling a feasibility study task force for a potential community life center.
A community life center is a facility with recreational opportunities for seniors and other community members of numerous demographics.
Director of Aging Services Heidi Whear joined the Board to share who she would like to see comprise the task force. She recommended including one member each from the Swampscott For All Ages Committee, Council on Aging, Parent Teacher Organization, Veterans Services, Finance Committee, and Recreation and Disability Commissions, and Select Board.
The remaining two positions would be filled by residents, with Whear and Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald suggesting one person have architectural experience.
“We did a needs assessment back in 2019 for all ages, and it was found in that study that we really do need more space for our seniors,” Whear said. “We really feel strongly that a community life center that is an intergenerational place for people to come together… would be a wonderful space for us all to have.”
In May, Town Meeting voters voted in favor of allocating $100,000 of the town’s capital budget to fund the hiring of a consultant for the feasibility study. Chair MaryEllen Fletcher expressed her belief that the Select Board did not have enough time to review the proposal prior to its approval. In addition, she endorsed the formation of a committee as opposed to hiring a consultant immediately.
“There actually has been quite a bit of time and research already put into the idea of a community life center,” Vice Chair Katie Phelan said. “We’ve engaged multiple communities and what they’ve developed as their center… collecting ideas of what a community life center could be.”
Phelan also volunteered herself to be the Select Board liaison for the task force.
Board member Danielle Leonard emphasized the importance of making sure the community feels involved in the process of developing the center if it were to happen.
“We create committees with an idea, without really checking in to see if it’s on the priority list of the people that live here,” Leonard said. “Anytime we’re building a building or thinking about building a building, that’s a big conversation with the town for me.”
