A newly constructed building is spurring excitement in Apex. The Apex Senior Center, a gleaming expansion of John M. Brown Community Center at 53 Hunter Street, will provide additional space and facilities for senior programs. At press time, the center was scheduled to open by the end of September, pending receipt of a Certificate of Occupancy.
The two-story, 28,000-square-foot structure boasts multi-purpose classrooms, exercise rooms, a fitness room with cardio equipment, an arts and crafts room, and pottery room with kiln. It also features a reception area, catering kitchen, informal activity space, office space for outside agency consultation and programs, and extensive rental space. The $15 million project was funded by the 2017 Parks Bond and $100,000 from the State of North Carolina Revitalization and Economic Development.
The Apex Senior Center is a sorely needed addition for residents. “In the Spring of 2017, 32% of senior programs had a wait list, most often due to space limitations,” said Craig Setzer, director of Apex Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources. “The need for additional space and facilities for senior programs has continued to grow due to the significant number of active adults who are choosing to call Apex home.”
In July, the population estimate of Apex was 70,561. Before 2015, when Money magazine ranked it the No. 1 Best Place to Live in America, Apex was already experiencing tremendous growth. The town’s first-rate schools, low crime rate and outstanding quality of life attract thousands of people each year. Its proximity to the beach and mountains makes it an ideal retirement destination for baby boomers and those wanting to be closer to their adult children who have planted roots in the area.
Although Raleigh-Durham has become one of the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in the country, Apex’s small-town charm endures. It’s where families operate shops and businesses, locals greet each other by name, and family-friendly activities abound. Originally given the name “Apex” because it was the highest point on the Chatham Railroad line between Richmond, Virginia, and Jacksonville, Florida, the town – which was incorporated in 1873 – experienced two devastating fires: one in February 1905 that destroyed a number of commercial buildings, and another in 1911 that left much of the business district in ruins. In 1914, the Union Depot on North Salem Street was rebuilt and now claims a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Senior Center takes shape
“As a part of the 2013-14 Master Plan update, a recommendation was made to provide additional services and facility space for seniors and active adults,” Setzer explained. “During the initial discussion and public input sessions for the Pleasant Park Master Plan [a 92-acre park near I-540 and Old US Hwy. 1], the need for a senior center became a community priority. A committee was formed to develop the programming of space that led to the master plan of the building.”
The Town engaged Smith Sinnett Architecture to conduct a programming study and design. Working with town officials, stakeholders and user groups, the Smith Sinnett team conducted interviews, interactive meetings and discussions to develop the most appropriate and cost-effect program to fit the needs of the residents of the town. Site work began in mid-November 2019.
The new building paves the way for youth and adult programming space to increase in the existing John M. Brown Community Center. “Currently, a majority of non-athletic programs and youth summer camps in this facility have wait lists and, in many cases, residents are forced to go to other municipalities to participate in preschool, youth, teen and adult programs,” Setzer said. “The Town’s current growth projections, especially of young families with children, further added to the need for expanded programming accommodations.”
Robust senior programming
Research studies prove that staying active in one’s autumn years offers numerous benefits – physically, socially and cognitively. The Apex Senior Center offers engaging activities for ages 55 and older, including fitness programs like yoga, pickleball and strength training, as well as an array of art, history, science and technology classes. Card games, potluck luncheons and trivia nights offer seniors fun ways to socialize.
Upcoming events include a Halloween line dancing party on October 29, a murder mystery event November 5, and a catered holiday party with a musical performance December 9. Register for classes and events through the Town’s website at apexnc.org.
For seniors who like to belt out tunes, the Peak City Singers – directed by Judy White – perform locally at different venues and rehearse weekly at the Apex Senior Center. The group welcomes new members; no experience is necessary. Other programming, such as “Seniors Play Reading,” “Musical Memories” and “Readers Theatre,” is offered at the nearby Halle Cultural Arts Center.
In light of the ongoing pandemic, “We are offering some virtual programming for those seniors who prefer to remain at home, including art, yoga and senior exercise,” Setzer said.
The Town of Apex continues to follow health guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and direction given by Gov. Roy Cooper. Currently, face coverings are required inside all Town facilities for employees and the public, regardless of vaccination status.
Outdoor space exists for gathering in the front of the center with additional seating planned for the back of the building, as well as a grassy area and paved circular walking path.
Rental space opportunities
The Apex Senior Center features several meeting rooms available to rent that can accommodate from 45 to 145 people in each room. Collapsible partitions allow for a function as large as 400 people. All meeting rooms are equipped with audio-visual equipment, tables and chairs. Renters are allowed to bring their own food, drink and caterers; alcohol is not permitted on Town property. Contact the front desk at 919-249-3354 or visit the center Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., for more information.
New crown jewel
The senior center joins a praiseworthy list of amenities that add to Apex’s allure, including the Rodgers Family Skate Plaza at Trackside; Apex Nature Park disc course and amphitheater; Apex Community Park with its 50-acre lake and miles of walking trails; and a multi-million dollar revitalization of its downtown district that will showcase new businesses, a boutique hotel and a state-of-the art transit hub. Pleasant Park, set to open in late 2022, will feature numerous athletic fields and courts, a 1.5-acre Enchanted Forest and Splashlantis water play area.
Grand opening ceremony
A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Apex Senior Center will be held in the near future, dependent on COVID-19 protocols. Public notices about the event will be made through apexnc.org and other social media outlets.
Learn more at apexnc.org/1166/Community-Center-Expansion-Senior-Center.
