Activities included demonstrations and interactive fun such as line dancing, use of the fitness equipment, Wii games, painting, crafts and various floor and chair exercises.

The Granados Center is the Parks and Recreation Department’s third facility that focuses primarily on seniors. Activities will include leisure, wellness and social activities such as music, art, crafts, dance, walking and fitness programs, health screenings, book clubs and more.

Participants got a peek at “Happiness in Dellview,” a wall hanging relief by artist Joan Fabian that features cut wood shapes painted and assembled in an abstract design.

The project, funded with $1.465,346 in Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), included rehabilitation of the existing structure, a park entry driveway, parking, sidewalks, and construction of meeting rooms, food preparation area, classrooms, reception area, exercise room, classrooms, and accessible restrooms.

Virginia Granados, who lived near the center, began her career as a San Antonio Police Officer. After starting a family, she transitioned to education as a secretary at Whittier Middle School and later Lee High School and San Antonio Independent School District’s Central Office. She died in 1990. Her son Mark, a local developer, purchased the property, and donated five acres to the City of San Antonio for this purpose. The grand opening took place on the anniversary of Mrs. Granados’ birthday. It was also the birthday of her husband, retired U.S. Marshal Mariano Granados. Arnold Elementary School choir seranaded Mr. Granados in celebration of the occasion.

Comments can be sent to kelly.irvin@sanantonio.gov.