Shown is an early stage of the new pathway at Sierra Senior Center in Oakhurst.
It’s a project that’s come together one step after another and now the community is invited to the grand opening of a new walking trail at the Sierra Senior Center in Oakhurst.
The trail celebration is set for Friday, June 26 from 4-8 p.m. at the center located at 49111 Cinder Lane in Oakhurst behind the community center.
Built with the ingenuity and generosity of the community including local businesses, service clubs and high school students, the new trail is a one-eighth mile loop around the shady, park-like grounds of the senior center.
The decomposed granite trail circles the picnic table-studded landscape and provides a safe and comfortable place for the community to go for a walk.
Sierra Senior Society president Georgia Kopel said the grand opening celebration will feature vendors including bakers, business owners, crafters and artisans.
She said to come hungry because Tater Jo’s, Intertribal Taco Truck and Anarchy Burger will be parked and serving up delicious meals for the duration of the afternoon and evening.
A portion of the new trail at the senior center is shown.
Kopel said they’re still signing up vendors with a few spots left. Inside booths are $25, inside corner booths are $35 and outside 10 foot booths are $50. All are welcome to join.
Forging the path
It takes a village to make a trail.
When the project broke ground in February, Kopel said community response to the request for help was making her heart swell.
“This is the culmination of all our time and energy and we’re so excited and want to get the community more invested,” Kopel said. “Investing in the senior center is an investment in your future.”
The walkway began to take shape about 18 months ago when senior society past president Shannon Brimmage casually mentioned to the board of directors how nice it would be to have a walking path outside the center.
Former supervisor Tom Wheeler and current supervisor Bobby Macaulay put their heads together on financing while Master Gardener Randy Thomson and others figured out how to build something that would be an asset to the community.
An Outback Materials delivery truck is shown at Sierra Senior Center.
Future plans in addition to the walkway include a community garden, exercise, mile marker and game stages along the way. In the future, volunteers hope to have local plants, a gazebo and locally made art.
The Eastern Madera County Foundation last fall provided the Sierra Senior Center with a significant grant to help the project while Sierra Sunrise Rotary worked to repair the outdoor restroom on the property.
Yosemite Unified trustee and local business owner Brook Allen brought his tractor and influence to the scene as Outback Materials and Bryant’s True Value provided supplies.
Yosemite High School coach and fiduciary Travis Trettin with noon Rotary offered support and muscle; Deborah Rossenberg at Chase Bank came with snacks and pitched in.
This construction is but the latest in the senior center board’s continued efforts to support the community in a wide variety of ways.
The park-like grounds of the senior center in Oakhurst, pictured, are now looped by a 1/8th mile walking trail, officially opening soon.
Lunch and so much more
The Sierra Senior Center lunch program offers a different hot meal every weekday for adults 60 and older regardless of income. Hot lunch is provided at 11:30 a.m. every Monday through Friday.
Guests will need to reserve their meal by 11:30 a.m. the day before they plan to attend. Reservations may be made with SSC rep Michelle, by contacting Eastern Madera Recreation and Parks (EMRAP) via email at emrap.seniorlunch@gmail.com or calling (559) 460-3431.
Additional activities at the senior center this month include Mahjong, exercise, card group, hiking club, Bunco, food distribution, Bingo, paint party, Master Gardener and Master Food Preserver workshops, Tai Chi, pancake breakfast, Koffee Kookies & Kards and Sunday meetings of the Mountain Unitarian Universalist Church.
Hours vary so check the website for information and sign up for the monthly newsletter for daily menus and weekly goings-on.
Pictured on a work day at Sierra Senior Center in Oakhurst, from left are Tristan Phillips, Lucas Mc- Goldrick, Randy Thomson, Brook Allen, Josh Augason, Andrew Pence, Jesse Pence, Travis Trettin, Deborah Rosenberg and Gregg Dodderidge.
In addition to Kopel, the SSC board of directors includes treasurer Sher’re Hendricks, secretary Catie Kneiss, chair Karen Gregersen and members at large Patty James, Adam Mariano and Connie Fox. The position of vice president is currently open.
Membership matters
The Sierra Senior Center community is tailored for those age 50 and above and designed as a hub of socialization, engagement, activities and celebration.
Members get access to a diversity of programs from fitness to education and outings along with perks including priority registration for events, discounts on classes and excursions and access to special gatherings.
A single membership is $20 or $30 per couple. Membership starts on the date you sign up and dues are valid for one year from your enrollment date.
Sierra Senior Center is online at www.sierraseniorcenter.com and on Facebook at OakhurstSeniorCenter. For more phone (559) 685-2200 or stop by when they’re open and say hello.
Responses (0)