April 15, 2025 By Glenn Mangurian
On April 28 Hingham Town Meeting will vote to fund the design and construction documents for a new multigenerational Hingham Center for Active Living. I join the Select Board and Advisory Committee in recommending approval of the design warrant article.
An Active Living Center for Current Baby Boomers and Future Generations
Since 2013, the town has recognized the need for a larger senior center due to limited space and parking at the current facility. Other area towns have constructed much larger centers that support their growing senior populations living independent vibrant lives while building new social networks. Leaders of neighboring senior centers report that local attendance has grown significantly among those who value expanded social connections and participation in diverse clubs/activities to enrich their independent living. According to Town census data, Hingham’s 2024 population over age 60 is about 32%. Projections estimate that by 2030, residents aged 60 and older will comprise 39% of Hingham’s population (potentially 9,400 residents). Over the expected 50+ year facility lifespan, the Center for Active Living will not only support current seniors but also Millennials and members of Gen X as their cohorts age.
A Personal Note
My wife and I have lived in Hingham for forty years. As some of you know, I have been disabled for twenty-four of those forty years. Unfortunately, most of my attempts to participate in existing senior center activities have been prevented due to limited accessible parking. The new center will expand parking significantly allowing those with HP placards to engage in a wide range of programs.
Bare Cove Park Area – the Most Feasible Alternative to the Constrained Town Hall Space
The 2020 Town Meeting voted to establish a Senior Center Building Committee to oversee the design and engineering plans through construction. The Select Board asked the building committee to consider multiple sites along Bare Cove Park Drive in addition to the existing Town Hall location where parking and available facility space have been restrictive to both participation levels and the expansion of impactful programs and services. The proposed site is adjacent to Bare Cove athletic fields, hiking trails and fishing as well as nearby activities at the South Shore Country Club.
A Center for Designed for Today and the Future
The Committee has engaged a variety of consultants to determine the town’s future needs, evaluate alternative sites and prepare a conceptual design. The consultants and building committee recommended an area along Bare Cove Park Drive as solving both Town Hall issues. The new Center for Active Living is envisioned to be a modern, safe, natural-light-filled space for the broad segments of our community to enjoy. The one-story building concept example includes a reception area, large multi-purpose room, restrooms, lounge, cafe counter, exercise/dance and arts studios, a fitness room, an auditorium for movies, lectures, musical entertainment and other uses, a large room for playing cards, a greenhouse, and other features. It is envisioned that the new Center for Active Living will partner with other town organizations such as the Hingham Arts Alliance to create multigenerational arts programming.
Hingham Seniors Continue to Play an Important Role in the Town
Hingham seniors care about Hingham. Some have been residents for over fifty years and continue to play an active role enriching the lives of all members of our community. Many seniors serve on the boards of Hingham civic organizations such as the South Shore Conservatory, Historical Society and Library. Others volunteer their time on important town committees. Over the years, seniors have been active supporters of debt exclusions (major capital borrowing) and recent Proposition 2 ½ overrides to fund infrastructure investments and evolving operating needs for the benefit of the entire Hingham community. That support has contributed to the quality of life that we enjoy today.
Attend the April 28 th Town Meeting and Support Funding the Design of the New Center Warrant Article
The 2025 Town Meeting Warrant article authorizes execution of the design phase of the Center for Active Living project. This will not impose any additional tax burden; instead it taps a surplus in the Unassigned Fund Balance – “Rainy Day Fund.” If the project moves forward on Monday, there will be a vote next year (2026) authorizing construction. I encourage you to support the town’s seniors and approve the Center for Active Living design funding warrant article.
