The City of Boise is committed to providing exceptional recreational and wellness opportunities for all citizens. This is evident when you visit the Dick Eardley Senior Center, where there is a constant stream of visitors taking classes, playing games and using new technology. Boise Parks and Recreation staff have increased programming and activities since taking over management of the senior center in 2016, and their efforts are now being recognized by a national organization committed to improving quality of life for older adults.
In conjunction with AARP, Valley Regional Transit and the Boise Parks and Recreation Department, Boise has joined AARPs network of age-friendly communities.
This distinction is a direct reflection of our mission to make Boise the most livable city in the country, said Boise Mayor David Bieter.
The AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities consists of villages, towns and counties throughout the United States that are committed to livability. Partnership with AARP advances efforts to help people live easily and comfortably in their homes and communities.
City leaders hosted a celebration in April to recognize this commitment and honor those who have worked hard to make it a reality.
The City of Boise understands the importance of preparing for an aging population with policies and programs that encourage civic and social participation, said Lupe Wissel, state director, AARP Idaho.
AARPs Age-Friendly Communities target improvements city-wide that influence the health, wellness and quality of life of older adults including safe and affordable modes of transportation, a range of housing options for older residents, access to outdoor space and recreation, social opportunities, programs promoting diversity and much more.
Weve worked hard to update programming, increase access to technology and connect users to important services within the community, said Doug Holloway, Boise Parks and Recreation director.
Some of the new offerings at the senior center in Boise, located off Robbins Road near Fort Boise Park, include:

Monthly educational classes on a range of topics including brain health, nutrition and more.
Fitness classes, such as Wellness with Movement to help people with Parkinsons, Multiple Sclerosis and other movement disorders, and drop-in chair volleyball every Tuesday.
Monthly one-on-one sessions with professionals in insurance and real estate.
Videoconferencing with experts in history, environmental science and a variety of other fields for interactive learning.


The senior center offers over 150 classes, activities and programs every month and serves hundreds of participants. The dining room sees an average of 50 guests for lunch each weekday, with numbers closer to 100 during special events.
Another successful program the City of Boise provides for adults ages 62 and older is Lifetime and Leisure. Participants can sign up to take trips to local museums, take part in brewery and winery tours or take part in longer trips to state parks and historical sites transportation is included for these outings and its all coordinated by Boise Parks and Recreation.
I moved here five years ago. I met all my friends through Lifetime and Leisure, and it helped me to learn more about my new community, Donna Rowland said.
The City of Boise is committed to growing its programming and support for older adults. Learn more about the Dick Eardley Senior Centers offerings by calling (208) 608-7580 or visit us at 690 Robbins Road in Boise