The North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center is bustling with activity on any given day of the week. Although membership is still below pre-pandemic levels, the center is filled with both young and old utilizing everything the facility has to offer. Membership is $20 a year which includes entry to the Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center at 501 Elizabeth St. SE. for all ages, and access to six different senior centers throughout Albuquerque for anyone over 49.
On the first floor of the NDB Multigenerational Center members are greeted by staff who can provide ping-pong balls, pool balls, cue sticks, and other equipment for check out in exchange for an i.d. On the northwest side of the building there is a game room with two pool tables, two ping-pong tables, and access to the outdoor amphitheater where entertainers perform throughout the year. Across from the game room members can play foosball, sit and chat in a community room, or climb on the indoor rock wall.
Also downstairs is a full-size multi-use gym & basketball court, classrooms, a library & reading area, a video game room, kitchen, and a dining area. A full, $1.50 breakfast is served Monday-Friday from 8-9 a.m. and lunch is served from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch costs $7.67 for anyone under the age of 50, $3.25 for ages 50-59, and a $2 donation is recommended for ages 60 and over. Items can also be purchased a la carte for under $1.
On the top floor of the center there is a dance studio, more classrooms, outdoor balconies with chairs and tables, an exercise room, and an indoor walking/jogging track. On the bulletin board next to the exercise room there are a multitude of flyers advertising different classes and events at the center. Some classes are free while others take donations or charge a small fee and include everything from boomer yoga and qigong to kung-fu and dance.
Busy parents can take advantage of the after-school program which also provides transportation from some schools to the center. The cost is $15 a month per child and is available Monday through Friday from 2-5:30 p.m. Other community events include family movie nights, arts and crafts, bingo, and planned trips throughout New Mexico.
A calendar of events, the hours of operation, and contact information is available in the monthly newsletter found on the City of Albuquerque’s Senior Affairs’ website or in person at the reception desk.