As we look toward a new year, I am excited about the opportunities ahead for Issaquah’s dynamic, growing senior community.

Starting Jan. 3, 2017, the city of Issaquah will reopen the Issaquah Senior Center, under the operation of our Parks and Recreation Department.

Our vision is clear — to provide every senior with a welcoming place to access resources and services.

For the past several weeks, our City Hall team has been working to prepare for the reopening. Collaborating with seniors and other community members, we look forward to offering expanded programs and services, while maintaining existing offerings.

As we prepare for a seamless transition of services, our team wants to hear from you. I invite community members of all ages to meet key Parks and Recreation Department staff, learn more about senior center services and get your questions answered during a Meet the Mayor event from 12-1:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Issaquah Senior Center, 75 NE Creek Way.

We’re currently in the process of finalizing a comprehensive guide to the senior programs and services we will offer at the senior center, as well as the Issaquah Community Center and Julius Boehm Pool. To receive regular updates about senior services, I invite you to sign up at issaquahwa.gov/seniors.

I also want to thank the senior center’s current service provider, Issaquah Valley Seniors, for working with us to ensure a smooth, seamless transition before discontinuing operations Dec. 30. Whether you’re a regular at the senior center or a new arrival to our community, I look forward to welcoming you to the facility.

While reopening the center is a key milestone in providing the best possible senior services, it is only one piece in our effort to work with our community’s seniors.

In 2016, we engaged with seniors in person, online and through a survey to shape the services we will offer. Moving forward, I look forward to continuing that dialogue and enhancing services whenever possible.

In the months ahead, we have a tremendous opportunity to serve our community’s seniors. I invite community members of all ages to share their ideas and talents as we work to provide the best services possible.

Fred Butler is the mayor of Issaquah.