Senior Activity Center - Lamar

Image of Lamar Senior Activity Center

The Senior Activity Center – Lamar offers instructed classes, health and wellness programs, educational seminars, workshops, trips, dances, volunteer opportunities, support groups, special events, meeting space and private rental space.

The Senior Activity Center - Lamar opened its doors to the public in 1978 as the first senior center of its kind in the City of Austin. Located at the southeast corner of 29th Street and North Lamar in the heart of Austin and a short distance from the University of Texas, the center functions as a total community, special-use resource facility and provides an optimum environment for the development of sound physical and mental health for person 50 years and older.

Important Announcement

Our top priority remains the safety, health and well-being of all participants, staff and the Austin Community. Please continue to remain vigilant and take all necessary steps to ensure you and your family remain healthy and are reducing the risk of illness across the Parks and Recreation Department and at home. We are grateful for your participation in our programs and services. If you have questions regarding the information in this letter, please contact us. For more information on the symptoms of COVID-19 and resources to keep you safe, please visit COVID-19 in Austin | AustinTexas.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC.

Below is a summary of guideline changes that we ask you please read carefully:

Illness within a Program

If a participant has symptoms of COVID-19, or is a close contact of someone with COVID-19, they may be permitted to return to PARD programming only when the following conditions are met:

If the participant has had a fever, cough, or shortness of breath and has not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, they should stay home and away from others until 24 hours after the fever is gone and symptoms resolved. If symptoms worsen during that time, contact your healthcare provider to determine if they should be tested for COVID-19.
If a participant is diagnosed with COVID-19, they must remain out of the facility for a minimum of ten (10) days after the onset of first symptoms. The participant may return under the following conditions:
- If they had a fever, 24 hours fever free without the use of fever-reducing medication AND they see an improvement in their initial symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath); AND
- Ten (10) days after symptom onset.

If a participant believes they have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 but are not currently sick or showing symptoms, they should monitor their health for fever, cough or shortness of breath during the 14 days after they last had contact with the sick person with COVID-19. Public gatherings, such as camp and participation in programs, should be avoided for 14 days.
If a positive case is reported within camp, any individual deemed to be considered a close-contact will be required to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days from all PARD Programs.
- PARD will provide a letter to all parents upon becoming aware of an active case, outlining whether their child is believed to be a close-contact or not.
- A close-contact is defined as any individual who was within 6 ft. of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more.

Masking

In response to the Mayor’s Order issued on August 11, 2021, all youth program participants over the age of two (2) are required to wear a cloth face covering (mask) during program hours and while on or in City property, unless otherwise exempted. Face coverings should be provided by the parent/guardian. All PARD staff will be required to wear a cloth face covering (mask), as well as any parent/guardian picking up or dropping off participants.
- Face coverings should not be placed on:
  - Children younger than 2 years old.
  - Anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious.
  - Anyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance.
  - A child with a significant behavioral or psychological issue undergoing treatment that is exacerbated specifically by a face covering.
  - A child with severe autism or with extreme developmental delay who may become agitated or anxious wearing a mask.
  - A child with a facial deformity that causes airway obstruction.
  - Anyone participating in activities where the mask could get wet, like swimming or water play.

Programs

Continuing Education

City of Austin Parks and Recreation Varsity Generation Educational Program is a mixture of non-profits, private organizations, volunteers, and staff that provide services and supplies to the seniors in the Austin and surrounding area. These classes, presentations and fairs are designed to bring seniors resources and information that concern:

Finance
Health
Medical
Government
Security
Gardening
Housing
Leisure
Computer Education
Movies
Book reading/Book Club

Excursions

City of Austin Parks and Recreation Varsity Generation Senior Trip Excursions program provides a variety of destinations for participants to engage in.

There are four different categories in which participants choose: adventure/bucket list, educational, entertainment, and health/fitness.

Adventure/Bucket list- Zipline, IFly, Swimming with Dolphins, and Overnight Camping
Education-cultural, arts/music, history, science, nature, and museums.
Entertainment- Theater/Plays, Festivals, Movies, Theme Parks, Shopping, Sight-Seeing.
Health/Fitness- Hiking, Biking, and Kayaking

Healthy Lifestyle

City of Austin Parks and Recreation Varsity Generation Healthy Lifestyle Program is sponsored by volunteers, non-profits and private organizations that provide services, equipment and supplies to the seniors in the Austin and surrounding area. These classes take place to inspire Austin seniors to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places.

Fitness Room
Line Dancing
Zumba
Stretch and strength
Seniorsize
Senior Health and Fitness
Tai Chi
Yoga

Socials

City of Austin Parks and Recreation Varsity Generation Socials are aimed to provide a variety of fun activities that coincide with the holidays

Community Needs

Senior Transportation

As part of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department's Senior Support Services, Senior Transportation offers several services for older adults in the greater Austin area. By calling 974-1464, we can get you out and about with our services. Our goal is to provide a special system of transportation to enhance quality of life and promote independence for persons 60 years of age or older.

Senior Transportation

Senior Meals

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department welcomes Meals on Wheels and More as our partner for the delivery of congregate meals to eight (8) recreation/neighborhood and senior activity centers through out Austin. The Senior Congregate Meals Program is open to anyone 60 years of age or older. The meals are at the suggested Client Share donation of $1.00 to $3.00 but no contribution is required. In addition to lunch, participants share social and recreational activities and receive additional benefits such as nutrition education, health and welfare counseling and information and referral services.

Senior Meals