City Bringing Back Some Senior Activities Starting in March
The Keller administration and Department of Senior Affairs began offering gym access at Palo Duro and Los Volcanes 50+ Fitness Centers as well as limited, low-contact activities at Senior Centers as of March 1. All activities will be offered on a reservation-only basis in order to ensure social distancing and compliance with the public health order.
“We are thankful to be in a position to safely bring back some in-person activities at our Senior Centers,” said Mayor Keller. “We know we’re not out of the woods completely, so even as we transition to some in-person programming, we will continue all of the critical services we have offered seniors throughout the entire pandemic, including meals, transportation, and care coordination.”
Gym attendance at Palo Duro and Los Volcanes 50+ Sports and Fitness Centers will be structured in 45 minutes slots available at 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., Monday through Friday. Gym goers can register for a slot by calling the Fitness Center they want to visit no more than one working day in advance between 8 a.m. and noon.
In addition to gym access, Senior Affairs will be opening computer labs at North Valley and Highland Senior Centers and pool rooms at Los Volcanes, North Valley and Palo Duro Senior Centers. Through a partnership with AARP, Senior Affairs will be able to expand tax services at four Centers. To register for tax services, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxhelp. To register for all other activities, call the facility hosting the program. Phone numbers, programming information and locations can be found at cabq.gov/seniors. Please note that during peak times at Centers, staff members are performing other duties and may not be able to answer the phone. Callers are encouraged to leave a message and phone calls will be returned within one business day.
“The Senior Affairs team has enjoyed supporting our community in new ways over the past year, but we are all looking forward to welcoming visitors back to our spaces,” said Department of the Senior Affairs Director Anna Sanchez. “We are moving cautiously to ensure safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers during this transition but will be adding new programs as we are able.”
All programs and activities will observe COVID-safe practices, including social distancing and frequent sanitizations. Masks will be required at all times, even for those who have been vaccinated.
Existing Senior Affairs virtual and drive-through programming will continue to be available, along with meals, transportation, care coordination, home services, vaccine registration help and other services. For more information on Senior Affairs services, visit cabq.gov/seniors or call the Senior Information Line at 505-764-6400.