As Marion Pollock stood among the throngs of residents taking their first look inside the new Cooper Center for Active Living on December 5, she beamed at the beautiful, accessible public building named after her mother.
The City named the facility for Audrey Cooper for her service to residents over the decades, especially for seniors. She was the president of the City’s Council on Aging and the Senior Citizens Fund of Newton. For 27 years, she served as secretary at Underwood Elementary School, and she also worked on many boards and committees.
“It’s a very joyous day,” said Pollock, while holding a photo of her mom from the opening of the Newton Senior Center in 1993. That center was demolished to make way for the Cooper Center in the same location, 345 Walnut Street.
“I’m immeasurably proud of her and her legacy,” said Pollock after the ribbon-cutting ceremony in the new gymnasium. “I hope her spirit of volunteerism carries on from generation to generation.”
Joyousness was a common theme of the day and was mentioned by Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, among other officials, as they welcomed attendees.
Curious visitors peeked into activity rooms, the bright, welcoming library, the chic outdoor patio/deck, and other spaces, including the café, which is set to open in January. Most smiled, “ooh”ing and “aah”ing as they walked through the three-floor, 33,000-square-foot facility.
The center’s website describes it as “a groundbreaking model for the Commonwealth — both in the quality of its design and the breadth of its offerings.” Fuller added, “I think it’s even better than our highest aspirations.”
Welcoming attendees to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which also included music, the Mayor stood at the front of the packed gymnasium as even more onlookers stood above the gathering on the suspended walking track.
Many officials, including Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, praised the cooperation it took among residents, government, architects, etc., to allow this project to come to fruition.
Josh Morse, the Public Buildings commissioner, singled out Fuller for praise, crediting her “unwavering commitment” to the project from the beginning of her administration for making the dream a reality. The audience rose to a standing ovation for her.
“We have created something truly special,” said Morse.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony in the gym (photo: Bruce Henderson) 
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll welcomed visitors to the Cooper Center for Active Living. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller introduced Director Mignonne Murray at the Cooper Center for Active Living’s opening day. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller introduced Public Buildings commissioner Josh Morse at the Cooper Center for Active Living’s opening day. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
L-R: Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, Public Buildings commissioner Josh Morse; Cooper Center director Mignonne Murray, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, State Sen. Cynthia Creem, and State Rep. Amy Sangiolo sing with director of cultural development Paula Gannon on the guitar at the opening of the Cooper Center for Active Living. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller speaks to the crowd during the Cooper Center for Active Living’s opening day, while Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll prepares to make a basket in the new gym. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Crowds gathered on the first floor of the Cooper Center at its grand opening. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
L-R: Former director of Newton’s Senior Services Department Jayne Colino with director of the Cooper Center for Active Living, Mignonne Murray (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Back left” Mayor-elect Marc Laredo speaks with staff members at the Cooper Center for Active Living during its grand opening. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller embraces former state Rep. Kay Khan at the grand opening of the Cooper Center for Active Living. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
View from the second-floor stairway shows the Cooper Center’s first floor. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Artwork from the Newton Art Association on display at the Cooper Center (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
The outdoor deck of the new Cooper Center for Active Living runs the length of the building, offering impressive views. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
First-floor library / study (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Attendees at the post-ceremony exhibit fair (photo: Bruce Henderson) 
Yury Feldman, 107, took a shot during a friendly pool game on the opening of the Cooper Center for Active Living. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Visitors enjoyed playing ping-pong qt the opening of the Cooper Center for Active Living. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
L-R: Public Buildings Deputy Commissioner Alex Valcarce, Commissioner Josh Morse, and Project Manager Tom Rooney (photo: Carole Stapleton)
Range of offerings
After she enjoyed whacking several ping-pong balls off her paddle, resident Laura Drubach said she had not played the sport in almost 50 years and was thrilled that the new Cooper Center has two tables.
“I think it’s amazing,” she said.
“It’s a fabulous place, it’s a beautiful building. Amazingly well planned,” said Drubach’s husband, Ted Palmer.
Sandra Butzel and her friend Emily Shumsky checked out the ceramic studio, complete with two kilns.
“I am absolutely thrilled,” said Butzel, who said Audrey Cooper was her mentor. “She was really a force for all of Newton and particularly seniors.”
When asked what she liked about the facility, Shumsky responded, “I appreciate that it’s a multigenerational center.”
“You age much better if you’re around young people,” concurred Butzel.
The center’s website notes it is state-of-the-art and “was intentionally designed to serve as a hub of connection, activity, and wellness for Newton’s older residents …as well as a welcoming place at night and on the weekends for residents of all ages.”
With the Cooper Center, Newton “will set a new standard” in defining what it means to be an age-friendly community, said Driscoll.
Essentials before you go
The Cooper Center for Active Living is located at 345 Walnut St., in Newtonville. Some programs have fees while others do not. According to the website:
The center is open:
Monday through Friday: 7AM to 8PM
Saturday: 9AM to 4PM
Sunday: 12PM to 4PM
The Older Adult Services Department at the Cooper Center is open Monday through Friday, 9AM to 4PM.
The facility has:
- Classroom space for programs and events
- An art and ceramics room
- Gymnasium with pickleball and basketball courts
- Game room with pool tables
- A large deck
- Commercial kitchen to host a municipally run café
- Public lounge and reading areas to connect with friends and socialize with neighbors
- An indoor walking track suspended above the gym with large windows looking out onto Newton.
Detailed information on transportation, parking, rentals, and how to volunteer is available on the website: https://www.newtonma.gov/residents/cooper-center/visit
To sign up for the “Coming of Age” newsletter (in paper and email formats), which lists upcoming OAS (Older Adult Services) winter programs, free activities, and more, visit https://www.newtonma.gov/government/seniors/programs
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