Commission to look at future of Parker Senior Center

By Charlene Sims, info@linncountyjournal.com

MOUND CITY – Once a thriving site for congregate meals for senior citizens, the Parker Senior Center over the past few years has seen participation in its program dwindle down to almost nothing. 

In response, the East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging, which has provided services there, transferred their employee to another meals site, effectively shutting down the program except for meals delivered to homes.

The Linn County Commission has been discussing what to do with the building, and the most recent discussion about that was at the commission’s May 28 meeting.

Commission Chair Jason Hightower told the commissioners that the city of Parker would like to know if the county is going to take over cleaning the building or if it is their responsibility. The city of Parker handles the scheduling for the building.

Commissioner Danny McCullough asked Lamb how much the county budgeted for the center. Lamb said very little, just the utilities, maintenance ,and upkeep.

Commissioner Jim Johnson asked Lamb to figure up what the county spends on the building and the revenue that it receives. Lamb said he would bring that information next week. 

Discussion was held on whether Parker would take the building. Hightower said that congregate meals could be held there in the future if circumstances changed.