Community Center Director Matthew Ariniello is hoping to have keys in-hand for the new facility currently being built at Fairfield Hills.

Eagerly anticipating the new community and senior center facility scheduled to open this summer, the new construction is “getting into the finishing touches,” he said.

Walking toward the new building at 8 Simpson Street on Wednesday, May 29, he crossed what will soon be a freshly paved parking lot, where concrete dividing islands already stand. Exterior lot lighting is also already in.

Heading for the main entrance, Mr Ariniello pointed toward a streetscape, where a concrete walkway serves as a connector the new building’s main entrance and Newtown Municipal Center.

Moving into the main foyer takes visitors into a broad, well-lit corridor that leads directly to The Better Day Café. Beyond that one gets a view of the aquatic center, with a lap pool and gradual entry pool. While one pool is meant for swimming, the other includes spray features and items for young children. Both pools could be filled by late June, he said.

Locker rooms for men and women are accessible from the pool room and also from an inner main hallway. Showers will be available there.

Stepping through the hallways and rooms meant for various activities and offices in both the community and senior center parts of the building, Mr Ariniello pointed to the fresh paint, new lighting fixtures, carpeting, and floor tile.

A welcome desk sits outside administrative space where center staff and recreation department offices will be located. Mr Ariniello’s office has a great view of the municipal center, he said.

Walking around the welcome desk and touring the main hallway, he said the extra wide space was designed to accommodate seating, displays, serve as event space, or hold activities.

The community and senior center will both include kitchen areas, multi-purpose space, programming, pool access, activities, and more.

Looking ahead, Mr Ariniello is planning welcome week events and a grand opening event in coming months.

Overall, the space, both inside and out, is “looking good,” he said.

Memberships

Memberships will soon be on sale through newtowncommunitycenter.org.

Visitors to the site will first see the message: “Our inclusive mission is to welcome visitors of all ages to meet, play, connect, create, learn, and grow because gathering and interacting keep this community connected and strong.”

Scrolling through the site brings up the membership categories.

*Monthly Youth (up to age 12) and teens (ages 13-18): $18 for residents, $20 non-residents;

*Monthly Adult (age 18 and up): $31 for residents, $34 non-residents;

*Monthly Single Parent Family (one adult and child/children living in the same household): $34 for residents, $37 non-residents;

*Monthly Family (two adults and youth in the same household and dependents up to age 18): $41 for residents, $45 non-residents;

*Monthly Senior (ages 60-plus): $18 for residents, $20 non-residents;

*Monthly Senior Couple (two senior adult individuals in the same household): $32 for residents, $34 non-residents;

*Day passes are $8 for residents and $10 for non-residents.

Membership includes unlimited pool access and use of facility; programming, including program discounts; discounted space rentals including birthday parties; free guest passes; open art/toddler play; and café credits.

Newtown Senior Center fees will be priced as they are now: $20 residents, $25 non-residents annually.