The Broken Arrow Senior Center’s mission is to create an enriching, inclusive community for people 55 and over by promoting social engagement and active lifestyle programs.
Executive Director Annie Bast highlights that the Senior Center stands out in Oklahoma, noting its extensive range of activities, dedicated facilities, and its singular focus on serving seniors.
“We offer over 119 activities a week,” Bast said. “So, there is something for everybody. We offer everything from Bible Studies to Yoga, Bunco to Bingo. We have a pool hall, pickleball, quilting, crafting, anything you can think of, we probably have a class for it.”
The cost of membership is very reasonable and affordable for seniors, many of whom are on fixed incomes. Seniors can have an active social life, eat lunch, get exercise, play cards or dominoes, and more.
“For $40 a year, you get unlimited access to all the activities,” Bast said.
The center serves over 500 people daily, five days a week.
It also hosts events showcasing the center's handmade crafts, such as the Bunco Bash and the recent Jingle Mingle.
“These events provide an opportunity for their crafting, and the things they do can be put on display and sold,” Bast said. “It gives them an opportunity to feel important and showcase their talents and skills, because let me tell you, in a building like this, there is a lot of talent and skill.”
The most popular class, with 78 regular attendees, is Drumming.
“They go hardcore for almost an hour,” Bast said.
The Yoga classes are also heavily attended.
“So, I would say those two classes are running neck and neck for the most attendees,” Bast said.
She recommends people taking a tour of the facilities to learn more about the organization’s programming.
“The way the classes are lined up, it kind of brings in different people,” Bast said. “So, you know we get to see a lot of people in and out of our doors. We have a transportation system that, if you’re unable to make it, we can help you get set up for transportation to and from the center.”
With so many different types of activities, many people, even some from other communities, can become involved; some have come from as far away as Grove.
“That speaks to what we offer,” Bast said. “Given the fact that Broken Arrow has taken that initiative and invested in the community, I think it speaks volumes as to how much they care about the people in our community who are becoming of age.”
The Senior Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but on Tuesdays and Thursdays it is open until 7 p.m.
Broken Arrow Seniors, as an organization, provides a community to the city’s senior population.
“They feel welcomed, they can make friends,” Bast said. “If they’ve lost a loved one, they can meet with other seniors who’ve had a similar experience. It’s just like a big family for them. So, for those who may not have family here, it gives them an opportunity to be around people that, you know, make them feel like they are part of a family.”
Currently, the Senior Center operates in two facilities across the street from each other at 1800 S. Main Street.
“It makes it kind of difficult because we’re separated. The building on the west side is much older and comes with its share of problems, as all old buildings do. There are leaks and problems with the plumbing and A/C that we’re constantly dealing with,” Bast said. “The Annex is on the east side of Main Street. It was built a couple of years ago, and this one is great!”
Once the Annex was built, the Broken Arrow Senior Center doubled its membership.
“It provided more services to more people,” Bast said.
While doubling the space by having two facilities, Bast has concerns about the seniors having to cross the street between the facilities.
With the 2026 General Obligation Bond, under Proposition 4-Public Facilities, the Broken Arrow City Council allocated $18 million for a new addition to the Senior Center Annex. If approved by Broken Arrow voters, the addition would allow the Broken Arrow Senior Center to be located in one facility.
“Being together under one roof would be amazing!” Bast said.”
As director, Bast is appreciative of the city’s commitment to providing this type of facility and programming for its senior residents.
“I think it shows Broken Arrow cares about seniors,” Bast said. "To me, that's a big deal. Everyone I've known, senior-wise, benefits from having a place to go, connect with other seniors, and stay as active as they wish."
