RIO RANCHO, N.M. -- After four years serving thousands of senior citizens, the Broadmoor Senior Center in Rio Rancho is getting ready to break ground on phase two of the city's planned renovations.
"It is a great facility, and we are looking forward to expanding it, and it is going to really allow us to expand services that we are able to offer our seniors in our community," said Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull.
They are adding a 2,600 sq. ft. multi-purpose room for pickleball and other activities, an outdoor terrace, and more shade.
"The project in itself is a little over $1.6 million. The bulk of that came from federal and state grants that we are putting right into the project, and about $400,000 came out of our general funds. So we were able to budget some capital since this is a onetime expenditure on a facility build, we were able to set that money aside," said Hull.
Right now, they offer everything from bingo to ceramic painting and have more than 1,000 members in addition to walk-ins.
Hull said it's about time to add on to the center to meet the demand.
"We want to make sure that we have facilities for those individuals to give them activities to do and make sure they know that while they have invested in us, we want to continue to invest in them," said Hull.
The city is drawing up contracts with the contractor and expects to start construction soon. Once they break ground, it should take about nine months to complete.
"People don't be discouraged because you see construction trucks or a little construction tape come on in, the staff here is still going to make sure you have a great time while you're here," said Hull.