Local Seniors Hit the Road on New Senior Activity Center Bus

Local seniors are hitting the road, thanks to the new 23-passenger, handicap accessible bus that was delivered to the Southlake Senior Activity Center (SSAC) February 15. Purchased with a combination of grants, private donations and matching funds from the City of Southlake, the new bus is already being used to transport seniors to and from SSAC-sponsored programs, activities and trips.

The bus’ maiden voyage took place March 4 with a trip to the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth, which was appropriate as a $65,000 grant for the bus was received from the Amon Carter Foundation. Linda Study, recreation leader at SSAC, accompanied the seniors and reports every seat was full.

“The Amon Carter Museum gave us a warm welcome by providing a decent free-of-charge and lunch. We were able to view the Remington and Panama Canal Collections, along with rare books,” Study states.

The bus also took a trip to the Dallas Heritage Center on March 18, and then took seniors to see “Phantom of the Opera” at the Artisan Center Theater in Hurst on March 24, which was the first evening trip for the bus and included a pre-show dinner at Carraba’s.

“There is no doubt the bus is a huge hit with the seniors and I expect it to be full for every trip,” says Study, noting a waiting list will be started once reservations are full. “

A professional, part-time driver has been hired to drive the bus and seniors are picked up and dropped off at the Southlake Senior Activity Center, located at 307 Parkwood Drive.

It has been specifically designed to accommodate individuals with special needs and will comfortably fit two wheelchairs. For more information, contact the Southlake Senior Activity Center at 817-748-8398.