Daviess County Fiscal Court has pledged an additional $500,000 matching contribution to the Senior Community Center of Owensboro-Daviess County. The pledge is on top of the $2 million the County has already committed to the project.
For every dollar raised up to $500,000, Fiscal Court will match the donation dollar for dollar, County officials recently announced.
Plans call for the new Senior Community Center to be built at the northeast corner of West Second Street and Carter Road, near the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden and Thompson-Berry Park.
The City of Owensboro, which will contribute $3 million to the project, released a design-build bid in December, with submissions due by Jan. 31. A contractor is expected to be selected within the next two months, paving the way for a groundbreaking this spring. The new facility, which will replace the current 89-year-old building that has served the community for 44 years, is projected to open in 2026.
“This project is a legacy for our community,” Director David Tucker said recently. “One of our seniors called the new site (which stands in a cornfield) our ‘Field of Dreams.’ We’re playing off that as we work toward a move-in date in 2026.”
The project is a collaborative effort funded by state and federal grants, City and County contributions, private donations, and support from foundations. The center serves as the contracted provider of senior services in Daviess County under the oversight of the Department of Aging and Independent Living.
Tucker recently presented a progress report highlighting the center’s impact. In 2024, the center served 1,020 active members, supported approximately 250 Meals on Wheels clients, and welcomed 316 new members. Meals remained a core focus, with 99,438 meals provided through congregate meals at five locations, the Meals on Wheels program, and frozen meal partnerships with Morrison Food Service and Owensboro Health Regional Hospital.
“We average over 100 seniors in our building daily,” Tucker said. “Beyond meals, we offer recreation, health promotion, and social activities to keep our members engaged.”
Daily offerings include yoga, Tai Chi, Silver Sneakers, bingo, line dancing, and monthly evening dances. Educational classes and social opportunities round out the free activities for seniors 60 and older, with transportation and meals available for a suggested donation of $1.50.
“This center is a place for seniors to connect, stay active, and access critical resources,” Tucker said. “We’re excited about what’s to come.”
