Brooke Wohlrabe A group of seniors plays “Five Crowns” in the Senior Place in the Southern Minnesota Educational Campus in Fairmont.

FAIRMONT–The Senior Place has relocated to room 127 in the Southern Minnesota Educational Campus in Fairmont. There seniors can play cards, put together a puzzle or just socialize.

Cathy Reynolds, Fairmont’s City Administrator, said that the Senior Place officially opened on May 3.

The former Senior Center was previously located on Downtown Plaza but closed during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It never really fully re-opened and we decided the city would sell that and move the Senior Center into the SMEC building and rename it the Senior Place,” Reynolds said.

The Senior Place is open Monday- Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“I know the group that used to operate at the Senior Center kept their same schedule so they try to get a group together on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons to play certain games,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds said that’s not to say no one else can use it at that time.

“Senior are free to come in and use it whenever they want,” Reynolds said.

She said that no reservations are needed so people can come alone or with a group to play games or just socialize over coffee.

“There’s a coffee pot but there are certain things the city doesn’t provide so bring your own grounds. There’s also a small refrigerator and a sink there. People can bring their own stuff and enjoy,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds said they’re hoping that once the CER office relocates into the SMEC building, there will be some more programming available for seniors that will be offered in the Senior Place.

Reynolds shared why she thinks there’s value in having a space like this for seniors in Fairmont.

“I had several people come and talk to me about wanting a place for people to interact, play cards and gather for the seniors in our community. The placing of it in the SMEC building allows them to get together and enjoy each other’s company. I think it gives them the ability to interact and see what’s going on. It’s a good place to go,” Reynolds said.