Pickle ball helped hank maintain his heart health while having fun at the same time!
COVID-19 Schedule Changes
COVID-19 Schedule Changes
- Meals on Wheels & Roving Pantry remain open for deliveries.
- Downtown, Linwood, Northeast & Orchard Park Senior Centers remained closed until further notice.
- Senior Employment is closed to the public but communicate with jobseekers by phone or email.
- Changes to Heartland Games 2020 competitions at this link: Heartland Games
- Changes to Picklepalooza Festival Events at this link: Picklepalooza
- For the most current updates visit our facebook page.
- Join our facebook groups:
Additional Evening and Weekend Hours as Scheduling Requires
200 S. Walnut
Wichita, KS 67213
Jennifer Fox,Director 316-267-0197, EXT. 246
Downtown Senior Center Details:
The Downtown Center boosts the largest space and total membership. The center is conveniently located in the heart of the Delano district and attracts a variety of people from the downtown core area as well as west and south Wichita. Here members enjoy numerous programs and recreational activities like Pickleball, Spanish class, Yoga, Senior Employment’s Job Club, foot care and much more. Because Downtown Center has ample meeting space 4 center parties and programs are held here in the multi-purpose auditorium.
1901 S. Kansas
Wichita, Ks 67211
Cherise Langenberg,Director 316-263-3703
Linwood Senior Center Details:
Located in the Linwood Park Recreation Center this site truly epitomizes a close knit, southeast neighborhood center. Many members live within walking distance and spend entire days at the center. Linwood members enjoy rigorous exercise like Pickleball, strength training and line dance classes but many also enjoy the comradery of fellowship over a nice cup of coffee. Events at Linwood range from book clubs to drawing classes, bingo to exercise classes for all levels. The center also loves to celebrate holidays and special occasions. From Halloween costume balls to Hawaiian luaus there is something for everyone at Linwood Center.
2121 E. 21st Street
Wichita, Ks 67214
Carnesha Tucker,Director 316-269-4444
Northeast Senior Center Details:
Serving the Northeast community of Wichita this center loves to party! Large potlucks are scheduled frequently to celebrate holidays, anniversaries and many other special occasions. Northeast members organize exciting celebrations each year for Mardi Gras and everyone’s favorite “The Motown Madness Party” where members dress up as their favorite Motown artists and perform for guests. The site also hosts an exciting dance group called the “Northeast Steppers” who perform both at senior center celebrations and in the community. But it’s not all fun and games at Northeast, the center is also rich in educational and recreational programs to keep the mind and body healthy and young.
4808 W. 9th Street
Wichita, Ks 67212
Diane Nutt,Director 316-942-2293
Orchard Park Senior Center Details:
The smallest of all senior centers members at Orchard Park primarily hail from western and downtown Wichita. What the center lacks in space they more than make up for in heart and spirit. Each Christmas Orchard members organize a community project to give to those less fortunate. From suitcase drives for foster children, toy drives for under privileged youth and pet supply collections for Meals on Wheels recipients, Orchard members exemplify our mission statement by continuing to make positive contributions to our community. Programs offered at the center include exercise classes, TOPS groups (Taking Off Pounds Successfully), Pickleball, bible study and much more. Orchard members don’t let 4 walls trap them in though – each month the group dines out and attends community productions like Mosley Street Melodrama or Wichita Music Theater.
All Senior Centers are temporarily closed until further notice.
Due to the COVID-19 virus, our Senior Centers are temporarily closed. As updates occur they will be posted under “Current Closures and Cancellations” at the top of the page. Thank you for your support and understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I have to be to participate at a senior center?
Participants in center-sponsored activities are age 55+ and pay an annual membership fee of $25 per year with access to all 4 centers. Participants under the age of 55 are welcomed to join and pay an annual membership fee of $50 per year with access to all 4 centers. The Downtown and Northeast Centers are available to adults of any age who wish to rent facilities for meetings, performances or other group activities. Call the center director for rental information and scheduling.
Is there a cost for programs and events held at the centers?
Participants pay a required annual membership fee, which is good for membership at all 4 senior centers. Members must complete an annual registration form. Some outside instructors may charge a fee for a particular class or activity. Membership has its privileges. Members receive a monthly newsletter, The Compass, and are offered reduced fees for special events and classes that may require an additional fee.
What types of programs are offered at the centers?
There is something for everyone at the 4 senior centers. Fitness classes that range from beginner to advanced are offered at all sites. Specialized programs like Spanish classes are also available. Educational programs like legal and financial advisors and Medicare navigation assistance are crucial for our members. Foot care and other health screenings are also available at select locations. Each year tax assistance is offered during the tax season. Special 4 center seminars are also available. And last but certainly not least a multitude of celebrations – from cookouts to holiday gatherings – are in abundance at all 4 sites.
What the heck is this game called Pickleball?
Pickleball is fast becoming a national obsession! It is the fastest growing sport in the country. The game is a racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Two or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball, similar to a wiffle ball, over a net. The sport shares features of other racquet sports, the dimensions and layout of a badminton court, and a net and rules similar to tennis, with a few modifications. Pickleball was invented in the mid-1960s as a children’s backyard pastime but quickly became popular among adults as a fun game for players of all levels. Three senior centers offer Pickleball competition. The Downtown & Linwood Centers host competitive levels. Downtown & Orchard Park host competitive and recreational levels. Beginners are welcomed during recreational play.