News Flash

Experience Frisco’s New Recreation Center for Adults 50+ and Discover ’50+ Ways to Play’

(January 29, 2020) One of the fastest growing cities in America has a new recreation center for one of the fastest growing segments of its population. Frisco is celebrating the grand opening of ‘The Grove at Frisco Commons’. Just fifteen months after breaking ground, Frisco is welcoming residents 50+ to a new facility built for active lifestyles. This morning, city leaders marked the occasion with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

“I can’t wait to hear what our residents think because this isn’t my grandparents’ senior center,” said Mayor Jeff Cheney. “Public health plus leisure and culture are among our City Council’s Strategic Focus Areas. When our city acquired this land many years ago, we didn’t know then how we would use it. But the answer became clear as our seniors outgrew the ‘old’ facility. ‘The Grove’ is seamlessly planted near one of our premier parks, which is home to our Veterans Memorial, spray parks, Hope Park for special needs, and walking trail that, I consider, a ‘best kept secret’. It’s truly a multigenerational gem of open space. Now, our seniors can enjoy the outdoors, which promotes a healthy lifestyle. I can’t think of a better place for ‘The Grove’.”

According to the U.S. Census, people who are 50 and older makeup about 25% of Frisco and its senior population has nearly doubled since the last census. More space is very welcome.

‘The Grove’ is twice the size of the ‘old’ senior center, spanning 30,000 square feet of indoor space. New indoor amenities include an art studio; a fitness studio featuring an on-demand, virtual instructor; a medical screening consultation room; day lockers and changing area; a fireplace and self-serve coffee bar. Patron favorites such as billiards and table tennis are back in greater numbers.

The biggest change to the city’s offerings for active adults is ‘The Grove’s’ outdoor amenities, which didn’t exist at the ‘old’ facility. New outdoor amenities include two pickleball courts; two bocce ball courts; a one-eighth mile walking trail with connectivity to the city’s new Community Garden and existing Frisco Commons park; and a covered patio with chairs and lawn games, like cornhole and jumbo Jenga.

“You can age out of sports teams,” said Amy Deatherage, Chair, Parks & Recreation Board. “You can age out of the public school system; you can age out of Frisco Young Professionals. But, if you’re lucky, you’ll make it to become a member at The Grove. Once you turn fifty, you can be a member for life. Stay young-at-heart and play forever!”

“We’re excited for Frisco to discover 50+ ways to play,” said Shannon Coates, Director of Parks & Recreation. “Studies show that being active promotes health while delaying disease. An active lifestyle can improve your social, spiritual and mental health, too. This facility gives us the much needed to space to add new programming that enhances overall wellbeing. With our nation’s ‘baby boom’ generation coming of age, this grand opening couldn’t come at a better time. Here, we’re able to promote play and learning. On that note, we’re very proud to be designated as a site for UNT Osher Lifelong Learning Institute courses designed for curious minds and adventurous hearts.”

Monthly and annual memberships are available to residents, non-residents. Day passes are also available. ‘The Grove’ is open Monday – Saturday, closed Sunday. Go to FriscoTexas.gov/TheGrove for hours of operation. The Grove at Frisco Commons cost about $11 million dollars with $9 million coming from 2015 voter approved bonds. ‘The Grove’ replaces the Senior Center at Frisco Square, which closed in December. The retired center will be used to house a new municipal court facility.