BREAKING NEWS: The Fargo Park Board has just approved a critical three-year lease extension for the Broadway Senior Center, ensuring its operation through 2029. The unanimous decision comes after intense advocacy from seniors and community members who rallied for the center’s future during a meeting on February 10, 2026.
More than 25 seniors arrived on a charter bus to voice their support, demonstrating the strong community backing for the facility located at 1461 Broadway North. Melford Jacobson, a senior attendee, expressed the center’s importance, stating, “We’ve been coming here for months… it’s close by, and they serve pretty good food here!”
The urgency surrounding this lease extension arises from potential rent increases that could have jeopardized the center’s existence. Previously, the Fargo Park District indicated that a hike of over $20,000 could have led to the closure of the Broadway location. With rent costs threatening to exceed $100,000 annually, many seniors were concerned about losing their essential gathering place.
Fargo Park Board officials and Valley Senior Services had explored alternatives, considering relocating services to sites like Yunker Farms and Trollwood. However, community engagement revealed that the Broadway Senior Center is more than just a service point; it’s a vital hub for social interaction and support.
Susan Faus, Executive Director of Fargo Parks, highlighted the center’s significance: “What we found through the engagement and what we heard from many of the participants there, is that it’s much more than that. It’s a central place where people are receiving those services and gathering. It’s important for the north side of the community.”
Notably, North Dakota State Senator Josh Boschee also voiced his support, emphasizing the community’s passion for the services available in north Fargo. He stated, “As you’ve learned, people are passionate about not only north Fargo, but the services that are available in our neighborhood. I think what was maybe seen as a sleepy feeding site has proven to be a robust community center.”
Emotions ran high during the board’s deliberation, with members reflecting on the importance of senior services. Fargo Park Board Vice President Jerry Rostad shared a personal connection, mentioning his father’s recent passing and the role of social activities in the lives of seniors. “…social activities and being involved with Valley Senior Services and Meals on Wheels, it’s all important. I saw it first-hand,” he remarked.
After an hour of heartfelt discussion, the room erupted in cheers as the board’s unanimous decision was announced. The estimated total expense for the new lease is $312,813 from 2026 to 2029. However, while the extension brings relief, many seniors voiced concerns about its temporary nature.
Bill Rastedt urged the need for a permanent solution, suggesting, “In the meantime, maybe think about building us a new location up here on the north side where there’s a lot of seniors that live so we can continue to come and engage each other.”
This lease extension not only secures the future of the Broadway Senior Center but also highlights the community’s unwavering commitment to its seniors. The story reflects the power of collective advocacy in preserving essential services, ensuring that the voices of Fargo’s seniors are heard loud and clear.
