Allison Walker, Generation to Generation

A recent 1950s-themed groundbreaking celebration showed Brevard Countys seniors that they are getting their own 10,600-square-foot building -- the Brevard County Senior Center.

But, as News 13's Allison Walker explains, the fact that this place is actually being built is a bit of a surprise to some.

"Of course our seniors are little party animals, they love their dancing, so there's going to be a place where they can be able to fellowship," said Brevard County Commissioner Jackie Colon.

There will also be a computer lab, shuffleboard, multi-purpose rooms, a kitchen, and other activities.

Brevard County Commissioner Jackie Colon said the original plan was just to expand the old senior center in downtown Melbourne. But in 2003 that building got some bad test results.

"Lead paint, asbestos, you name it," Colon said.

Colon said the seniors wanted to kick it up a notch with a bigger place and more programs.

"They would not take no for an answer from anybody," Colon said.

"The rate of growth of seniors in Melbourne is about 3 percent per year, so this will enable them to add to their quality of life," said Jasper Trigg, who is on the senior center's board of directors.

Trigg helped make the new community center possible. It is located at Wickham Park, which organizers say is a convenient location.

"They're coming from Palm Bay, beachside, from all over Melbourne, Rockledge, Cocoa," Colon said.

Organizers hope the center will be ready for dancing sometime in 2009.

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