The Palmer Center
The Department's mission for the Palmer Center is to encourage the well-being of older adults in Independence. Opportunities are made available through Whole Person Wellness Programs based on the Seven Dimensions of Wellness model. Adults 60 years of age and older can engage in programs that focus on physical and mental exercise, health, nutrition, music and dance, social events, holiday gatherings, special events, a travel program, and a daily luncheon program which includes home delivered meals and meals served in our dining hall. The Palmer Center is a place for older adults to find resources to continue to live vital, independent, and healthy lifestyles. Do you have a special skill or would you like to give your time to the community in a meaningful way? Ask us about our Vital Volunteer Program, and join many others who are making a difference for older adults in Independence.
The Center has an outdoor patio, gymnasium, fitness room, meeting spaces, game & craft room, media lab, the Catherine J.A. Curtis Dining Hall, and a kitchen. Rental space is available for special events.
Palmer Center
Hours of Operation
Monday and Friday: 8 am-5 pm
Tuesday-Thursday: 8 am-6 pm
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Facilities Include:
The welcome center includes the front office with staff dedicated to providing an exceptional senior center for your use. This is where you may find general information regarding programs, register for classes, and express your concern to staff. Comfortable seating and a complimentary coffee in the mornings are available.
The 6,956-square-foot gymnasium features a full size basketball court, three pickleball courts, and a marked walking track around the perimeter of the gym. A concession stand with counter space and a commercial sized refrigerator is adjacent to the gymnasium. Rental is available.
The Palmer Center has a fitness room for members to pursue their individual fitness goals. Included are Nu-Steps, Treadmills, an elliptical trainer, recumbent bikes, Water Rowers, and six Nautilus Nitro weight training machines.
The Catherine J. Curtis Dining Hall is open and spacious with round tables and cushioned chairs. It is a hub of activity with the entrances to the craft room, media lab, meeting rooms, and game room directly accessed from the dining hall. Lunch is served at 11:30 am daily Monday – Friday. Rental is available.
Engage in a healthy diversion of an assortment of friendly game opportunities and classes to explore your creative abilities. Activities may include, but aren't limited to, billiards, darts, bingo, cards, Nintendo Wii, art, crocheting and crafts. Explore the Palmer Post and calendar for more information.
Two meeting rooms are used for classes and meetings as well as volunteer tasks. Each meeting room is furnished with eight foot tables and chairs and a dry erase board. Rental is available.
The outdoor patio, which stretches along the front of the building provides seating for you to enjoy fresh air, in a historical surrounding and participate in planned outdoor activities.
The Media Lab provides information and referral resources for older adults. Four computers with internet access, low vision resources including a Merlin (a full color auto focus video magnifier system and magnifiers), files of information to support independent living, and books for reading pleasure are available to check out.
The Palmer Center Advisory Council
The Palmer Advisory Council meets monthly to discuss issues related to The Palmer Center and its programs. Please contact The Palmer Center office at (816) 325-6200 for more information.
Need for Volunteers and Instructors
Do you have a talent or skill you would like to share with others? We are looking for instructors and volunteers to teach new classes and host activities. Class topics include, crafts, art, computer, educational, health, fun and games, fitness, inter-generational, etc. Volunteers are also needed to serve meals at the daily nutrition site.