EDGARD — West Bank residents should be enjoying the benefits of a new senior center by summer 2017, following a ground breaking ceremony this month in Edgard.

St. John the Baptist Parish leaders are touting the new Senior Citizen’s Center near the West Bank Recreational Complex as a $600,000 gem that will offer a state-of-the-art kitchen, large activity room, aesthetic amenities and large, wrap-around porch.

Construction is scheduled for completion in six months, parish officials said.

Breakfast and lunch are served daily at Council on Aging Centers, and activities include Bingo, card games, birthday celebrations and field trips.

All residents 60 years and over are welcome to visit the centers located in Edgard and Reserve.

“This project comes with a host of other projects on the West Bank, including renovations to the existing center, upcoming renovations to the Westbank Community Center, the Courthouse Renovation Project and the Park Improvement Project,” Parish President Natalie Robottom said. “This project, as well as the many others, is a testament of our commitment to the West Bank and one more step toward bettering the community and Parish as a whole.”

“I am looking forward to utilizing the center and everything it will have to offer,” said Councilman Larry Sorapuru. “With its close location to the nearby park, socializing and networking will go hand and hand with physical fitness.”

Councilman Kurt Becnel added, “Our seniors deserve this center and I am proud to be apart of the project. I also want to thank the community for their support and Council on Aging board and staff.”

The project is funded through the 2014 Bond Issue.

Council on Aging Director Cheryl Parquet called the project a “dream come true” after many years of planning, and Board Member Leroy Mitchell expressed his elation to see the project come to construction.

“Our seniors are very excited and when they are happier and enjoy themselves, they ultimately live longer,” Mitchell said.