In May of 1978 a small group of Seniors formed the Golden Age Group of Washington Township under the leadership of Frank Lederer. They used to move from place to place to hold meetings. One of their goals was to have a place where the township seniors could come together.
In 1977 land was purchased for a center to be constructed in the future. Because there were many people in the town who wished the center to be built, they prevailed and in 1985 Grace LaBarre, (nee Brewster), Director of Morris County Division of Community Development obtained a Federal Grant of $80,000. to build the center.
On October 14, 1986 ground breaking for the center took place at 10.00 AM Frank Lederer, first President of the Golden Age Group, turned the first shovel of earth in Rock Spring Park. The Federal Grant and a $45,000. appropriation by the township paid the cost of construction. Furnishings for the center were purchased with $11,500 from the sale of township owned land. Gordon Raupp, township Architect, donated the landscape design and blueprints. Stateline Construction built the center.
May 30, 1987 was the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Township Committeeman, Robert Schmieder cut the ribbon. The event was emceed by the Hon. Edward Shields, Mayor of Washington Township. 41 individuals and firms donated time, material or money to the center. The first Director/ Bus Driver was Mrs. Julie Bruno.
Landscaping was supplied by Elwin Nylander of Plants and So Forth and Granata Tree Farm. Other landscaping money was donated by the Chester-Long Valley Rotary. Stanley Kramer, township developer donated machinery, time and topsoil to grade the site. The Boy Scouts of Troop 136 planted and donated landscape material. The sound system was provided by a $2,000. donation from the Friends of the Senior Center Committee. Long Valley Presbyterian Church donated tables and chairs in 1989 and 1990. The upright piano was donated by Patty Stephenson of Schooley's Mt. Inn.
On May 28th, 1994 the flag pole and plaque honoring our Veterans was erected and dedicated.
Through the years various changes have come to the center which have led to its enjoyment of many, many township seniors.
