Hingham Center for Active Living Could Triple Programming with Zero Operational Cost to Town
HINGHAM - September 25 - The proposed Hingham Center for Active Living would expand from 247 unique programs annually to approximately 817 programs, serving three times as many residents at zero additional cost for programming, officials revealed during a comprehensive presentation September 25.
The Full Story
Center Director Jennifer Young presented detailed utilization plans showing how the new 25,000-square-foot facility would operate five days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., compared to the current center’s four-day schedule. The programming expansion model is based on data from Marshfield’s senior center, which serves a comparable population and saw exactly triple participation after expanding their facility.
“Marshfield currently provides programming to 3,874 individuals per year against a total senior population of 7,232,” Young explained. “Right now, our senior population is 7,188. With the projected Hingham population in 2028, when we would hope to open this new facility, is going to be approximately 9,000.”
The presentation addressed a key concern about operational costs. Town Administrator Tom Mayo outlined that the only new municipal expenses would be one full-time maintenance worker ($60,000), potential health insurance costs ($10,000), and custodial supplies plus alarm monitoring ($25,000), totaling approximately $95,000 annually before utilities.
“The programming for the HCAL will require no budget at all, never has, doesn’t now, and never will,” Mayo emphasized. “The programming will be set and paid for by a combination of fees, the state formula grant, and donations, as well as a lot of programs and staffing support that are done by volunteers.”
Young detailed the funding structure, explaining that programming operates on three revenue streams: participant fees for classes, a state formula grant of approximately $105,000 annually (calculated at $15 per resident over age 60), and donations. The center also maintains a revolving fund similar to the town’s recreation department.
Building Committee Chair Tom Carey provided broader context, citing state health data showing Hingham ranks among the 14 worst communities in Massachusetts for senior health outcomes across multiple disease categories. “We are in the category of worst in the commonwealth,” Carey stated, referencing recent reports from the Executive Office of Aging and Independence.
The presentation included an interactive scheduling tool showing nine programmable spaces filled throughout each weekday. Programs range from fitness classes and bridge games to health services like diabetic foot care and blood pressure clinics. Many programs currently have waiting lists due to space constraints at the existing 5,200-square-foot facility.
Several residents testified about current limitations. Joan, a former fitness instructor, described how her strength and balance class grew from four to 40 participants within a year before being forced to turn people away due to space constraints. Dick Ponte, a longtime bridge instructor, noted that while Hingham’s bridge games attract 8-12 people, Marshfield hosts 48 players in their larger facility.
The proposal includes a new component: a social day program for memory care respite, modeled after successful programs in Marshfield and other South Shore communities. This would operate three days weekly, charging $40 for half-day and $70 for full-day services, running as a self-funding program.
Safety concerns dominated public testimony, with multiple speakers describing dangerous parking situations forcing seniors to park on busy streets and cross Central Street with walkers. “I observed unsafe behavior quite often,” said Joan, adding that approximately 25 seniors she knows no longer use the center due to parking and space issues.
Several speakers emphasized the town’s fundraising capacity. Mayo noted that Duxbury raises over $100,000 annually through three activities: an annual appeal, golf tournament, and road race. Since Hingham owns its golf course, unlike Duxbury, operational costs would be lower.
Advisory Committee Chair Carol Tully questioned attendance projections, prompting Young to provide Marshfield’s specific data: 817 unique programs with 11,000 total sessions serving 3,874 members plus 2,000 guests, compared to Hingham’s current 247 programs serving 1,425 active members and 509 guests.
The demographic data shows Hingham’s senior population growing significantly. Current seniors over 60 number 7,188, projected to reach approximately 9,000 by 2028. Even excluding Linden Ponds residents (though they remain welcome participants), the 2028 senior population would be 7,600.
Multiple residents emphasized the volunteer base available for programming and fundraising. Ponte noted, “This is a very volunteering town. I know that we can have a very successful senior center, but we’re long overdue.”
The presentation addressed technology needs, with Young noting current limitations that prevented hybrid programming during the pandemic. The new facility would include updated technology infrastructure to support diverse programming formats.
One resident raised environmental concerns about the Bare Cove Park location, suggesting the golf range as an alternative site that wouldn’t require tree removal. However, Board member Liz Klein brushed aside location questions, stating that site selection wasn’t on the evening’s agenda.
Why It Matters
With Hingham’s senior population expected to grow by approximately 25% by 2028, the programming expansion represents a significant increase in services at virtually no additional operational cost to taxpayers. The current $430,000 annual senior center budget represents just 0.26% of the town’s $166 million budget, yet serves a growing population facing documented health challenges that rank among the state’s worst.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Adjourn Select Board meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (2-0, Ramsey absent). (Timestamp: 1:26:05)
Public Comment
Eight residents spoke, with most supporting the expanded facility due to current space and parking limitations. Residents described dangerous parking situations, programs turning away participants, and comparisons to well-functioning senior centers in neighboring communities. One speaker raised environmental concerns about the proposed Bare Cove Park location.
What’s Next
The full capital costs for the Center for Active Living project will be presented at the Select Board’s Tuesday, October 1st meeting, including utility costs and infrastructure requirements. This cost presentation will provide the final piece of information needed for public and board evaluation of the project.