EDGARD — Senior citizens residing on the West Bank can look forward to the idea of a new center in Edgard.

St. John the Baptist Parish Council members voted Tuesday to advertise for construction bids for the new facility. Daron Cooper, captain of projects administrator for St. John the Baptist Parish, said the 3,200-square-feet senior center is being funded through the 2014 Bond Issue.

“The facility was designed by Duplantis Design Group of Thibodaux,” Cooper said. “It will be located at the West Bank Recreation Complex, which is in Edgard on Highway 18. This facility is for the Council on Aging and will service the seniors of the West Bank area.”

Cooper said construction is expected to take six months, adding the new facility will offer senior citizens more space then they have now at the facility behind the Edgard Courthouse.

“It’s going to give them more room for activities,” he said. “It will be located in a park area, which is great for the seniors so they can incorporate a healthy lifestyle and exercise, because there is a walking trail around the park. The facility will also feature a state-of-the art kitchen, with a walk-in pantry, handicap-accessible restrooms, a conference and computer lab room and a large exterior wraparound porch.”

Cooper believes having a day activity center, like this facility, is important to residents because it gives seniors a place socialize and engage in activities.

“The building behind the courthouse is much smaller then the new one,” he said. “We really need to build this new facility to give them more room to expand and grow.”