URGENT UPDATE: The Fargo Park Board has just approved a critical three-year lease extension for the Broadway Senior Center, ensuring its future through 2029. This unanimous decision follows intense advocacy from over 25 seniors who rallied at the meeting on February 10, 2026, demonstrating their strong desire to keep the north side facility open.
The Broadway Senior Center, located at 1461 Broadway North, has been a vital hub for the community, especially for the elderly population. Many seniors expressed that they were unable to travel to the meeting at the Fargo Sports Complex, necessitating a charter bus to facilitate their attendance. “We’ve been coming here for months… it’s close by, and they serve pretty good food here!” remarked resident Melford Jacobson.
Concerns over significant rent increases—over $20,000—threatened the center’s operations, pushing annual costs to an alarming $100,000. Previous discussions had considered relocating services to various sites, including Yunker Farms and Trollwood, but the community’s feedback demonstrated a clear preference for maintaining the center at its current location.
Executive Director of Fargo Parks, Susan Faus, emphasized the center’s importance during her recommendation for the lease extension, stating, “It’s a central place where people are receiving those services and gathering. It’s important for the north side of the community.” Additionally, North Dakota State Senator Josh Boschee attended the meeting to support the center, highlighting the community’s passion for local services.
After an hour of heartfelt discussion, which included emotional testimonies from board members about the significance of senior services, the board’s unanimous approval was met with cheers from the seniors present. The new lease is projected to cost approximately $312,813 from 2026 to 2029.
While the extension brings relief, seniors like Bill Rastedt voiced concerns about the future, suggesting a new facility be built closer to where seniors live. “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,” he urged.
This decision not only secures the Broadway Senior Center’s future but also reinforces the community’s commitment to supporting its elderly population. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and its implications for the Fargo community.
