$12M Set Aside For Senior Center Projects In Baltimore County

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — More than $12 million has been earmarked for senior center projects across Baltimore County, which includes an expansion of the existing Woodlawn Senior Center and plans to build a new dedicated senior center in northern Baltimore County.

This funding will be included in Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski's fiscal year 2022 capital budget, which will be presented to the Baltimore County Council April 15.

"Our senior centers are vital community anchors for so many of Baltimore County’s older adults. As we continue our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, we want every senior in every community to have access to a high-quality, modern and accessible senior center,” Olszewski said. “This investment will create more equitable opportunities for more of our county’s seniors and will help our neighbors stay active, stay connected, and age in place in the communities where they have lived and raised their families.”

$4.5 Million for Woodlawn Senior Center

Baltimore County will provide $4.6 million in state and county funding for the renovation and expansion of the existing Woodlawn Senior Center. Since its original construction in 2001, membership at the Woodlawn location has grown significantly to nearly 600 members, the county noted, and the center’s existing space is no longer adequate.

The new project will include a 9,200-square-foot addition and a renovation of the current 3,600-square-foot site, which will add a fitness center, new multipurpose rooms, multiple classrooms and handicap accessible restrooms. Once complete, the project will nearly triple the size of the existing center. Construction on the expanded Woodlawn Senior Center project is expected to begin the summer of 2022.

$3 Million for New Northern Baltimore County Senior Center

Baltimore County will provide $3 million towards potential land acquisition, planning and design for a new dedicated senior center to serve northern Baltimore County residents. Currently, Baltimore County’s Hereford Senior Center operates on the second floor of the Hereford Volunteer Fire Station and is open only during limited hours. The county will use this funding to explore opportunities to create a new, dedicated senior center to more fully meet the needs of older adults in northern Baltimore County.

Countywide Improvements

Additionally, in his fiscal year 2022 budget request, Olszewski will provide:

$2.5 million for improvements at the Cockeysville Senior Center
$500,000 for improvements at the Edgemere Senior Center
$295,000 for improvements at the Parkville Senior Center
$275,000 for improvements at the Fleming Senior Center
$165,000 for improvements at the Pikesville Senior Center
$150,00 for improvements at the Liberty Senior Center
$130,000 for improvements at the Overlea Senior Center
$75,000 for improvements at the Lansdowne Senior Center