Rockville Senior Center has long been a cornerstone of the community, dedicated to providing services and programs that promote wellness, education, and social engagement.

What is the history of Rockville Senior Center?

The senior center was established to provide a dedicated space for adults 60+, separate from other community centers, after a group of older adults advocated for a location tailored to their needs.

Initially hosting up to 25 people, the center quickly gained popularity, prompting the conversion of a nearby elementary school into a larger facility. The center's grand opening was on Sunday, April 18, 1982.

Who goes to Rockville Senior Center?

The senior center welcomes all adults 60 and older, as well as their partners. On weeknights and weekends the center is rentable for a party or gathering.

With their great variety in programming, Rockville Senior Center attracts older adults who wish to remain active and engaged and gives thema place to help maintain their physical and mental health while enjoying social interaction. The center also attracts those who are seeking a sense of community, with opportunities to volunteer at the thrift shop and fundraising events.

Rockville Senior Center also draws participants in need of extra support, such as transportation, meals, and wellness programs.

What  takes place at Rockville Senior Center?

"Rockville Senior Center’s members love to stay busy!" said Alexis D'Angelo, the center's Support Services Supervisor.

The center provides members with many ways to stay physically active. They have several fitness class offerings each week for all fitness levels, such as chair yoga, Pilates, Body Blast—a 30-minute full body workout. The senior center is known for their amenities, which include:

• A state-of-the-art gym with machines that can be used independently for an additional fee
• A fully equipped wood shop where members can work on projects on their own time or join classes for building birdhouses, holiday decorations, and more
• An on-site gift and thrift shop, where donations are accepted and sales benefit the center’s operations

“In addition to our core services, the center fosters a sense of community through volunteer efforts such as our snow removal program, which provides support to seniors during winter months," D'Angelo said. "By creating a collaborative and inclusive environment, the Rockville Senior Center ensures that every participant can find a program that fits their interests and needs, contributing to a vibrant and fulfilling experience for all.”

How is Rockville Senior Center funded?

Rockville Senior Center is a facility under the Recreation and Parks department funded by city of Rockville taxes. The nonprofit Rockville Seniors, Inc. (RSI) plays a significant role in supporting the center financially.

Through various fundraising activities—such as operating the gift and thrift shops, organizing book sales, bazaars, and weekly bingo—RSI raises money that directly contributes to the center's budget. The money is used for supplies, furniture, equipment, and other center needs.

Rockville Senior Center also offers various levels of membership to fit everyone's needs, and members may pay fees to participate in certain classes, workshops, or events. These fees help offset program costs and contribute to the center's overall funding.

What does modernization mean to Rockville Senior Center?

"At Rockville Senior Center, "modernizing" means staying ahead of the curve by adapting our programs and services to meet the evolving needs of today’s seniors," D'Angelo said. "This includes offering on-demand classes for at-home workouts during the off-season, utilizing volunteers for community support like our snow removal program, and organizing intergenerational events that promote both social connection and wellness.

By continually innovating, we ensure that our seniors are supported in every aspect of their lives, both inside and outside the center."

Still not a member of the National Institute for Senior Centers? Join today, membership is free. 

If your center has completed a recent study or assessment or is trying out some new programming approaches, we’d love to hear about it. And if you haven't already, we'd encourage you to join the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC). Free to all senior centers (and their personnel), NISC supports senior centers with best practices and innovations in programming, as well as networking and training opportunities. Ask for help, leverage NISC resources, or share your successes like Rockville Senior Center. Find out how you can become a NISC Affiliate today. 

Photos courtesy Rockville Senior Center