In response to Carol Schiller and Sally Trice, who asked us in a Jan. 11 letter to the editor to join forces to build a Portland Senior Center:

We are certainly on board. This would be a wonderful addition to our community. However, as elders ourselves, we propose that, rather than building a center only for those over a certain age, why not have people of all age groups join forces to build a true community center for all the people of Portland, young and old?

They call these buildings “community centers” for a reason – a place to get together across generational lines, to build a sense of community and caring for one another, to have fun and engage in meaningful activities.

One has only to look at neighboring South Portland to see the benefits of a great community center. They offer swimming, pickleball, walking, classes and so much more. During the day, when the kids are in school and the parents are working, older adults would have plenty of opportunities to use the center with their peers, but most of the time it would provide a space for all of us to engage in fun and healthy activities with one another.

If we build a state-of-the art community center, people will come!

Regi and Steve Robnett

Portland