ORANGEBURG, S.C. — The town of Neeses is set to open a new senior recreation and leisure center on Sunday February 9.
Local officials say the nearly 5,000-square-foot facility will house a fitness area and a host of entertainment programs and activities for seniors and community members in the area.
"The building is about 98% complete," says Mayor Kenneth Gleaton.
Gleaton told News 19 that he and his staff are excited about the space, as it will be the first of its kind in the town.
"Seniors are just like anybody else," Gleaton says. "They want to be involved with things, but sometimes they sort of get left out. So, we thought if we geared this towards them it could make them feel better about themselves."
The mayor goes on to say, "We know if we give them a place to improve their health, give them a place where they can come to crime watch meetings and talk about safety, we know it will help them all around."
When done, the center will have a kitchen and an assembly room.
The over 4,000-square-foot facility cost nearly a half a million dollars and is paid for mostly by the Orangeburg County penny tax.
Previously, the town had been using the town hall and an open air picnic space for meetings and special events. According to officials, this will be the first enclosed community center the town has ever seen.
The grand opening will take place on Sunday, Feb. 9, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the new center, 220 Park St., Neeses.