AUBURN — The city plans to reopen the Auburn Senior Community Center for in-person programming just in time for summer.

“Our team has been working hard to offer a variety of take-home and outdoor programming throughout the pandemic,” said Sabrina Best, recreation director, according to a news release from the city’s recreation department. “We’re just so excited to welcome our community back to the center.”

The 48 Pettengill Park Road center first opened following renovations in November 2019, during Auburn’s year-long sesquicentennial celebration. The facility has been used nearly every day since then, booked with programming, events, and rentals, until the doors were closed in March 2020 in response to the pandemic.

“We went from thriving to surviving as we quickly transitioned the facility and staff to our ‘Grab & Go’ community food distribution program,” said Best.

A monthly calendar of events along with a full list of summer programs, such as take-home craft kits, movies, lawn games, trips, chair yoga and tech talks, is available online at auburnmaine.gov.

Some small group programming started back up in May as CDC guidelines allowed, but the facility and staff are fully prepared to welcome larger local senior groups and clubs this summer.

“In addition to our fun programming for ages 50-plus, we host local senior groups who use the space for their weekly/monthly meetings and bingo,” said Recreation Specialist Jamie Longley.

First Auburn Seniors is to meet on Wednesday, June 16. Doors open at 10 a.m., and the meeting starts at 11 a.m.

New Auburn Seniors is to meet on Monday, July 12; doors open at 9:30 a.m., meeting starts at 11 a.m.

Robin Dow Seniors is to meet on Wednesday, July 14; doors open at 9:30 a.m., meeting begin at 11 a.m. Bingo is to follow each meeting.

For more information about this facility, to register for a program or to find the monthly calendar, visit auburnmaine.gov, call the Auburn Recreation Department at 207-333-6611 or email [email protected].