BREAKING NEWS: The Fargo Park Board has just approved a vital three-year lease extension for the Broadway Senior Center, ensuring its continued operation through 2029. This decision comes after months of deliberation and community advocacy, marking a significant victory for local seniors who rely on the center as a crucial hub.
On February 10, 2026, over 25 seniors made a compelling show of support, traveling by charter bus to the park board meeting, demonstrating their commitment to keeping the center at 1461 Broadway North open. “It’s close by, and they serve pretty good food here!” expressed Melford Jacobson, one of the attendees. The turnout highlighted the community’s determination, as many seniors faced challenges in traveling to the meeting venue.
The urgency surrounding this decision was heightened by the potential increase in rent, which could have exceeded $20,000 annually, pushing total costs to over $100,000 per year. The fear of losing the facility had been palpable, prompting the Fargo Park District and Valley Senior Services to explore 14 alternative locations for the seniors’ services, including Yunker Farms and Trollwood.
Executive Director of Fargo Parks, Susan Faus, emphasized the importance of the center during the meeting. “What we found through the engagement is that it’s much more than that. It’s a central place where people are receiving those services and gathering,” she stated. The emotional weight of the discussion was evident, with park board members personally connecting to the need for senior services.
North Dakota State Senator Josh Boschee also voiced his support, stating, “People are passionate about not only north Fargo but the services that are available in our neighborhood.” His words resonated with the audience, highlighting the center’s evolution from a simple feeding site to a vibrant community hub.
After an hour of heartfelt discussion, the board’s unanimous approval was met with cheers from the seniors, a moment of joy amidst the uncertainty. The new lease extension will incur an estimated total expense of $312,813 from 2026 to 2029. However, the celebration was tempered by the realization that the extension still feels temporary for many attendees.
Bill Rastedt, a senior advocate, remarked, “In the meantime, maybe think about building us a new location up here on the north side where there are a lot of seniors that live.” His call for a permanent solution reflects the ongoing need for accessible senior services in Fargo.
This development is crucial not only for the seniors who frequent the Broadway Senior Center but also for the broader community, which recognizes the facility as a vital resource. As the situation unfolds, community members and officials will continue to work together to ensure the future of senior services remains secure.
Stay tuned for further updates on this story as it develops.
