The event was a twist for the usual “groundbreaking”, and instead, they let everyone take a swing in their “wallbreaking”. January 16, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A senior center in Appleton just revealed its new name and logo, paired with a “wall-breaking” ceremony to begin construction.
It’s part of an effort to better serve seniors in the community who are looking for social outlets.
The Mary Beth Nienhaus Activity Center bears the name of a local philanthropist who worked tirelessly with project leads to make the dream come true.
“Well, I’m certainly honored and delighted that my name is on the center, and I think the other thing that is exciting is that we changed it, sort of, from a senior center to an activity center,” Nienhaus said.
Nienhaus says her life’s focus has been on activity, sports and wellness, which makes the name fitting.
“That’s all encompassing within our senior center here, so I love the Activity Center name,” she said.
The event was a twist for the usual “groundbreaking” and instead, they let everyone take a swing in their “wallbreaking.”
Board President Aoibh Greene says it’s a relief to finally show the public what they’ve been working on.
“We have spent the last four to five years behind the scenes, plotting and planning for this day,” she said. “We’ve taken feedback from our participants, volunteers, community partners over the last eight years and have put our heads together and have planned, taken into account all the things that we feel our seniors need going forward.”
The Thompson Center is currently located on the top floor of the St. Bernadette Parish on the east side, and the growing senior population in the Fox Valley needs more room.
Greene says since 2020, it’s been difficult for seniors to find active social outlets where they can interact with others. This center is an important step forward.
“Having a safe and vibrant space that seniors can come to communicate, to make friendships, to socialize, is so important as we go into the future,” she said.
The Mary Beth Nienhaus Activity Center is tentatively set to open at the beginning of summer 2025. The new facility is located at 3000 E. College Avenue.
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