Edmond Senior Center 

The Edmond Senior Center is a place where connection happens. People may arrive for Line Dancing, Afternoon Yoga, Watercolor Painting, or lunch, but they stay for the relationships, personal growth, and opportunities to give back. They stay because it feels like family. 

Manager Gregg Switzer has watched participation steadily grow at the center on Marilyn Williams Drive, where hundreds of seniors gather each week. “We get extroverts, introverts, people from all walks of life who come in and find a place where they can really connect with people,” Switzer said. 

That sense of belonging is fueling rapid growth. In March alone, the center welcomed 3,092 visitors, averaging roughly 140 to 160 people each day. Switzer said participation has surged in recent months, especially in popular programs like Tai Chi and Mahjong. 

Despite the packed calendar, accessibility remains central to the center’s mission. There are no required membership fees, and while a voluntary $15 annual donation helps support programs and events, many activities are free. Classes taught by outside instructors often require a small fee paid to the instructor. 

The programming itself is intentionally varied. The monthly calendar includes exercise classes, educational seminars, craft groups, social hours, and recreation activities ranging from balloon volleyball to Bunco. Patrons can also enjoy a library, book clubs, pool tables, and card games that often continue long after lunch ends. And lunch matters. 

The center partners with Edmond Mobile Meals to serve hot lunches daily for a suggested $5 donation. But according to Switzer, the real nourishment often comes from the conversations around the table. “Having a meal together at lunch is huge,” he said. “It’s not just food for the body. Super important connections are formed.” 

Those relationships frequently grow into support systems. Switzer shared stories of shy patrons who slowly came out of their shells after becoming regulars at the center. “It’s a community where they connect, share struggles, share grief, and share celebrations,” he said. 

Mary Ann, a faithful patron of the center, said she believes God sent her there to save her life. “The center is a fantastic place to spend the day. In fact, it’s my second home,” she shared. “I have made so many great friends, and the staff is probably the best staff in the world. That’s just my opinion. I would definitely recommend coming to this place.” 

Volunteers play a major role, too. During meal service, guests stay seated while volunteers bring meals directly to the tables — a touch of luxury over lunch. “Without our volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” Switzer said. 

Community members of all ages can volunteer or participate in select events throughout the year, including seasonal celebrations like the Summer Bash and Father’s Day gathering. Switzer encourages anyone curious about the center to stop by, explore the calendar, or schedule a tour. 

“You never know what connections you’ll form,” he said. 

Explore the Edmond Senior Center calendar of events at edmondok.gov/411/Senior-Center or follow on Facebook at @EdmondSeniorCenter.