Cookeville Senior Center Remains Closed

Reopening the Cookeville Senior Center will have to wait.

Senior Center board members met Wednesday to discuss safe reopening measures. Executive Director Maxine Frazier said she’s expecting general guidelines from state officials in the coming days. But, Frazier said such guidance can be challenging for varying senior center demographics.

“We are very, very busy,” Frazier said. “We have so many people doing so many different activities at the same time. The guidance-one size does not fit all. That’s why we want to meet with our local health officials and have them actually walk through the building and have them explain what’s going on and how many people are involved and how we can best handle this.”

Frazier said the facility has been sterilized while the doors remain closed. She said hand sanitizer stations are near every door, and furniture moved to encourage social distancing.

Over 150 people use the facility at a time. Frazier said she expects the seniors will be excited to return.

“I think some of them will be very anxious to return and they will be there the first day,” Frazier said. “Also I think others will be very, very cautious, especially those who have other health issues. I think they’ll be reluctant to come.”

Frazier said seniors should routinely check the website for updates. She said she hopes a decision will be made by the beginning of June.