When Phoenix eventually reopensits senior centers they’ll look much different.
The city will hire an outside consultant to look over the city’s 15 senior centers to help determine what changes to make. Assistant Public Works Director Art Fairbanks told the council Tuesday that cleanliness will be the top priority and go beyond plastic barriers and hand sanitizers.
“There’s ways to automate the facility at these senior centers from a touchless perspective and that would include installing sliding doors, touchless power switches and touchless bathroom fixtures as well,” he said.
In some cases, Fairbanks said carpeting might be ripped out and replaced with tile and heating and air conditioning systems could be retrofitted to circulate more outdoor air. Meal service could also see upgrades like walk in coolers and revamped serving lines.
The council approved using $2.745 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to cover the costs.
The council also approved funding for shade structures and misting systems for facilities that have to limit the number of people seeking heat relief. Also, Phoenix will continue operating a COVID-19 social distancing facility for heat respite at the convention center through July. The downtown center is open seven days a week and people can get lunch and dinner, water, snacks and access to charging stations and televisions.
