Staying Connected: San Francisco Senior Center Aquatic Park Update

When the doors of the San Francisco Senior Center – Aquatic Park closed due to the government shutdown, our community didn’t stop—it found new ways to stay connected. What could have felt like a pause quickly became a story of creativity, connection, and care.

Staff began reaching out to senior center participants by phone and email, checking in not only to share updates but also to offer comfort and conversation. Those calls often turned into moments of laughter, shared memories, and heartfelt reflection, a reminder that a building doesn’t define community, but by the people who fill it.

Many of our favorite classes, like Chair Yoga, Qigong, and Music Appreciation, have found new homes online, allowing participants to join from the comfort of their living rooms. Others, such as Mahjong and the Bridge Group, have taken an even more personal approach by opening their homes to continue playing and connecting in small, intimate gatherings.

Several participants have discovered a second home at the Downtown Senior Center, where they’ve been warmly welcomed into ongoing classes and programs. Offsite groups like the Mandarin Singing and Painting classes have met at community spaces such as the Tel Hi Neighborhood Center, filling those rooms with familiar laughter and creative energy.

Our ever-adventurous Ceramics Studio participants have turned their time apart into opportunities for exploration, taking the ferry to Jack London Square and enjoying lunch at Seabreeze. These outings have become beautiful reminders that creativity and friendship can thrive wherever we go.

Our partnership with Project Open Hand (POH) has also remained a steady lifeline. Together, we’ve continued to provide an average of 50 nutritious carry-out meals each day, ensuring participants continue to receive wholesome, comforting food during the closure.

Even though we’re apart for now, the spirit of San Francisco Senior Center – Aquatic Park shines brighter than ever, woven together by creativity, compassion, and community. Each call, class, and shared moment reminds us that while the doors may be closed, the heart of the Aquatic Park location is wide open.