Frequently Asked Questions

Feedback from seniors has been integral in shaping the facility. We have conducted surveys, held community meetings, and invited seniors to participate in focus groups to make sure their voices are heard in every step of the process

Citizens will have the opportunity to vote on the new Center for Active Living as part of the upcoming town meeting in April. This vote will determine the direction of the project and ensure that the community has a say in the next steps of the process. 

Because of the large number of municipal and school buildings that we have, each with a long design life, we typically are working on and paying for more than one project at all times. Most recently we had the High School, Library and Wood End school all in a similar time frame. As of June 30, 2025, all of these projects will be fully paid off. There are no major capital projects that required excluded debt in process or still being paid for after June 30, 2025.

We have had 3 recent debt exclusions for buildings that taxpayers have been paying for up until June 30, 2024.  At that time, we finished the payments on Reading Memorial High School and Wood End School.  Also, as of June 30, 2025, we will have paid off the 3^rd project, the Reading Public Library. The completion of these 3 projects removes approximately $300 from the average tax bill.  

We currently have a total of 11 full-time staff as well as existing part-time staff and volunteers available to run the proposed RECAL facility. We believe this is adequate to run the building and have hired a consultant to verify this and help us further our existing operations plan. In addition, our full-time staff members have experience overseeing buildings of the same size or larger. 

Although not necessary now, our future growth may warrant more staff in social services assisting with social work and/or mental health, a therapeutic recreation specialist, and a direct administrative Assistant for Veterans.

Planned operating hours for the center are:     

    Monday - Friday 8:00AM – 8:00PM with scheduled programs in the evening.

     Saturday  - 9:00AM – 5:00PM with scheduled programs in the evening.

     Sunday  -   9:00AM – 3:00PM with scheduled programs in the evening. 

These will be finalized once the full operations plan is completed.

The new facility will have designated spaces for the 60+ population that will serve as a central hub for this user group. Other spaces will be available to the rest of the community as well as the 60+ population.

A Town policy will be in place at the opening of the new ReCAL facility that will designate the distribution of programs offered by all of Readings community services divisions. This policy will be reevaluated by staff every 3 -6 months to adjust for changes in popularity to the various programs offered.

The new ReCAL facility will seek to both expand the 60+ programs currently being offered at the Pleasant Street Center, as well as provided larger and more accommodating spaces to meet the needs of this user group. In addition, programs will be provided that support intergenerational activities as well as programs and services for all ages.

Recreation and social activities are core to the needs of our 60+ population. This is a well-documented need that goes beyond just Reading.  It is becoming more and more important to reduce isolation and encourage community in this quickly growing population. It is important for all ages to have the opportunity to participate in local, affordable recreational activities like archery, fencing, pickleball, ping pong, badminton, chair volleyball, basketball, line dancing, Zumba, walking on the track, are not considered a “nice to have”.

Our goal for elder services is not only to give existing clients new opportunities, but to widen the demographic of seniors we are reaching. The town would like to cultivate an even more active center, expand program offerings, and create a community atmosphere. Currently, 47% of our 60+ population are ages 60-70. 

When the Reading Center for Active Living Committee did their site visits to about 15 surrounding centers, many were asked what would you want in your facility? Multiple directors cited that they wished they had been able to include a gym.

Neither Elder & Human Services nor Recreation Divisions have access to school gymnasiums during school hours. The Divisions also do not have access to elementary school gymnasiums until after 6:00pm because of the After School Programs at the school. The high school gymnasium is rarely available because practices and games are happening almost every night. Even with outdoor sports, the High School books the gyms for rain locations and no one else is allowed to rent. In addition, the schools do not rent out classroom space. 

The Recreation Division currently pays almost $40,000 per year for limited space. The funds saved from renting less space at our schools, can be put directly back into the cost of running programs in the facility. In addition, renting the new ReCAL gym for only a limited number of hours per week, could provide 20-25k a year in operating revenue for the new facility.

In addition to supporting the needs of elder & human services and recreation, the gym also provides beneficial community uses such as using it for an emergency community shelter, voting poll location, and for large community events/dances.

What is currently being offered plus more!  Research shows that the desire to learn new skills is typical as individuals age.  Topics that were of little interest in younger years suddenly become fascinating.  Retirees often learn to play new instruments, speak new languages, make new friends, master new technologies, follow current events more closely, start new part-time (or full time) jobs, travel to places they have never seen before, and more.  RECAL’s expanded space will enable Elder Services to offer expanded diverse range of programming to align with these interests.

One area of great interest to Reading’s age 60+ residents is athletic programming.  RECAL will include a gym to support athletic activities for all age groups.  RECAL will be able to offer indoor pickleball, volleyball, badminton, and basketball.  The gym will also provide cushioned flooring designed to minimize stress on joints, a particular concern for those with arthritis or other degenerative conditions.  There will be a walking track above the gym floor that provides a sheltered place to rack up daily steps, regardless of weather conditions.  The focus on active aging will also include programs that focus on civic involvement, emotional health, independence, social engagement, and spiritual well-being.  

Intergenerational activities are programs and events designed to bring together older adults and younger generations, such as children, teenagers, or young adults. These activities foster mutual understanding, build relationships, and promote a sense of community while benefiting both groups. These programs, are currently offered on a limited basis due to space constraints are offered by EHS and REC.  The latest one, Musical Bingo, was a blast!

• Learning Opportunities: Activities with Older Adults and Children/Teens encourage both groups to gain knowledge, wisdom, and insights from each other’s experiences and beliefs. 
• Empathy Development: Interactions foster respect, understanding, and appreciation for the lifestyles of both older adults and younger people. Sharing life experiences, wisdom, and skills gives both groups an appreciation for how an individual chooses to live and act.
• Skill Building: Younger participants can learn practical skills like cooking, crafting, gardening, photography, drawing from seniors and interesting trends from the younger population.
• Mentorship: Seniors can provide guidance and mentorship, serving as role models for younger individuals.

Here are some common feelings and perspectives often expressed about intergenerational activities.  In general, individual reactions may vary based on personal preferences but there is a positive attitude toward these types of activities. 

• Sense of Joy and Fulfillment:  Participants of this type of program enjoy the energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm that both generations bring to the activity. 
• Purpose and Contribution:  Teaching or mentoring provides a sense of purpose and satisfaction.
• Connection to the Future: Younger generations and older adults interacting together on an activity allows participants to feel connected to both the world’s future and past and helps them stay current with cultural and historical trends.
• Nostalgia and Reflection:  Activities with younger people may evoke fond memories of their own youth.
• Supportive Environment:  A well-structured program with facilitators who foster mutual respect and inclusion can make all participants feel more comfortable and appreciated.

Sudbury Community Center completed 2024 (new build) Population 19,000, 62,000 sq ft building 

Newton Center for Active Living completed 2024 (new build) Population 88,000, 37,000 sq ft building

Sandwich Center for Active Living completed 2023 (new build) Population 20,0000, 26,000 sq ft. building 

Sandwich Community Center Video Walkthrough

Sandwich Staff Testimonials

Pembroke Community Center completed in 2023 (new build) Population 18,000, 33,240 sq ft building

Pembroke Community Center Video Walkthrough

Randolph Intergenerational Community Center completed in 2017 (new build) Population 35,000, 30,000 sq ft building

Randolph Community Center Video Walkthrough

Lexington Community Center completed in 2015 (bought existing building and renovated) Population 34,000, 32,600 sq ft building

Lexington Staff Testimonials

Salem Staff Testimonials

Currently, there are two vans for the Pleasant Street Center. Right now, only one van is used every day during the week. There is a part-time driver who is used in the absence of our Transportation Coordinator or if there is a special trip off-site. 

In addition, all the Medical Transportation rides are scheduled through Alternative Transportation Systems (ATS) and paid for through a trust fund within the town. There is a short application process with our Case Manager to enter this program. Some members of our 60+ community who do not meet the income requirements for ATS, can still use the service with a co-pay.

The Recreation Van can also be available for transportation as needed. 

While not an identified need at the center currently, we know that participation will increase 70-110% based on research in other communities who built or renovated centers. The extra van can be put on the road as needed.

We have learned about some innovative transportation roll outs from other centers that we have visited and interviewed during this process. We are exploring the following options internally and with our operations consultant:

Uber subsidiary/Go-Go Grandparent
Burlington Town Meeting Okays Taxi/Rideshare Subsidy Pilot | Burlington, MA Patch

Salem Skipper 

Salem Skipper | salemma