Beloved Salt Lake senior center to close after nearly 50 years

SALT LAKE CITY — A cherished community hub on Salt Lake City's west side is preparing to close its doors after nearly five decades of service. The Sunday Anderson Senior Center, a fixture in the lives of many local seniors, will officially shut down on Aug. 22.

The news has left many longtime patrons heartbroken and uncertain about the future.

From the sound of laughter to the clack of billiard balls and the hum of group singing, the Sunday Anderson Senior Center, at 868 W. 900 South, has long been a place of joy and connection.

Seniors like Mary Cowan have spent years immersed in creative pursuits like ceramics and oil painting. More than hobbies, their lifelines. But now, that lifeline is being cut. And for many, the way the news was delivered added insult to injury.

"Our biggest issue was how disrespected we felt when we found out in a newsletter," said Cowan.

The July newsletter announced the closure in a tone many found dismissive, as it highlighted the "exciting news." But Cowan said the news was far from exciting.

"'Exciting news: We're going to close Sunday Anderson.' What an awful way for all of us to find out," she explained. "We felt so disrespected — like seniors don't matter."

The county plans to transition services to the River's Bend Senior Center, less than two miles away from the Sunday Anderson Senior Center. But for many, the change is bittersweet.

"I mean, change is hard. Nobody likes change. You know, I don't even like transitioning from a Sunday evening to a Monday morning," said communications manager with Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services, Afton January. "Change is a grief process. There's always a little bit of a loss that goes along with that."

Salt Lake County Deputy Mayor Katherine Fife met with concerned seniors, offering empathy and her personal contact information.

"Please reach out and let us know if you have any other concerns. I'll give you guys my card and you can reach out to me directly," Fife said.

While many are still grappling with the news, others are trying to stay hopeful.

"It hurts that they're closing it," said Barbara Robbins. "But I'm excited. It's going to be different, it's going to be fun."

As the final days at Sunday Anderson draw near, the center remains filled with music, smiles and the spirit of community — proof of its deep impact on generations of Salt Lake seniors.

The County Mayor's Office said the biggest reasons for the closure include: remodeling and overhauling old systems, like the HVAC system.

The office tells KSL TV that plans for the future are still unclear. But it's considered the building for mixed-use, such as housing and possibly acquiring a nearby recreation center to include all generations from teens to seniors.

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