Annapolis Senior Activity Center Celebrates 40 Years of Service and Community

The Annapolis Senior Activity Center marked its 40th anniversary last week, celebrating four decades of programs, activities and connections for area seniors.

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and Annapolis Mayor Jared Littmann joined seniors, staff and volunteers for the anniversary celebration at the center, located on Wiley H. Bates Heritage Park.

During the celebration, Mayor Littmann reflected on the history of the building and its connection to generations of Black residents in Annapolis and throughout Anne Arundel County.

Wiley H. Bates, for whom the property is named, was born into slavery and later became a successful Annapolis businessman and advocate for education. The school that carried his name eventually became the high school attended by generations of Black students from across Anne Arundel County.

Several former students were among the seniors attending Wednesday’s anniversary celebration.

After the school closed, the historic building remained vacant for years. Community advocacy and planning, along with a $27 million investment, ultimately helped bring the property back to life.

Today, the site is home to senior housing, the Boys & Girls Club and the Annapolis Senior Activity Center.

For the Senior Activity Center, however, the impact of that investment extends beyond the building itself.

Over the past 40 years, the center has provided seniors with opportunities to remain active, connected and engaged through bus trips, exercise classes, painting, knitting, lectures, book clubs, line dancing and other activities.

The center has also served as a gathering place for social activities, including competitive games of spades and bid whist.

The City of Annapolis credited the staff and volunteers who have helped make the Senior Activity Center a community resource throughout its four decades of operation.