Park Place Senior Center

This is the rear view of Park Place Senior Center. The Arlington Heights Senior Center started in a room in the Arlington Heights Library about 1977. The center provided counseling, medical checks, information about transportation and low cost lunches. In 1980, the center opened an annex in a house that had been scheduled for demolition. The house was at 402 North Vail and was used as a drop-in center where seniors could socialize, play cards and participate in other activities. This was used in addition to the room at the library. In May 1982, through the efforts of the chairman of the senior commission, Oliver Davenport, the Senior Center was moved to Park Place School. The school had been closed due to declining enrollment. This enabled the Senior Center to be under one roof at 306 West Park Place. In this facility, more programs such as arts and crafts; trips; dancing and bingo; adult day care; and meals for the home-bound were able to be offered. In 1996, additional space, parking and amenities were needed and, in May 1997, Park Place Center closed as the building was to be demolished to create athletic fields for South Middle School. In the summer of 1997, a 42,000 square foot Senior Center was developed at 1801 West Central Road. The Senior Center was officially dedicated on January 31, 1998. The center is owned and operated by the Village of Arlington Heights and houses seven other organizations: Arlington Heights Park District, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Northwest Community Hospital, Community Nutrition Network, Escorted Transportation Services Northwest, Catholic Charities Northwest Senior Services and the Arlington Heights Nurses’ Club Lending Closet. This item is part of the collection of the Arlington Heights Historical Society (http://www.ahmuseum.org).