Durango's senior center is run by La Plata County, not by the city, and it does far more than serve lunch. It is also the base for the county's rides, home chore help and Meals on Wheels. One fall 2026 fact shapes everything below: the building is shut for a month. The county's closure notice is clear. The Durango/La Plata County Senior Center is closed to the public from Monday, October 5 through Thursday, November 5 for restroom renovations. It expects to reopen on Monday, November 9 (La Plata County).
What services continue during the closure?
The county says the Bayfield Senior Center and Meals on Wheels are not affected, and these phone lines stay open:
- Rides: transportation services continue, and you can arrange one by calling 970-759-6309
- Meals: call the Food Service Manager at 970-382-6435 to request Grab and Go meals or a delivery
- Questions about the closure: call Senior Services Director Vicki Maestas at 970-382-6442
Where is the Durango Senior Center and when is it open?
The center sits at 2424 Main Avenue, and the main number is 970-382-6445. The county's hours table lists Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Friday closed. One wrinkle: the locations page says meals are served in Durango Monday through Friday. Ask which days lunch is on when you call (La Plata County). Reservations are needed for picnics, holiday meals and special events.
What is on the lunch menu and what does it cost?
Lunch is the foundation of the program. County Senior Services says its kitchen prepares more than 57,495 lunches countywide each year. A registered dietitian reviews the menu. The suggested donation is $5.00 for people 60 and older and their caregivers. Durango serves hot meals and a salad bar. On many days there is entertainment too, from local musicians, guest speakers, youth groups, theme days and holiday parties.
What classes and activities are there?
The county's page lists these, and you can call 970-382-6428 for the current schedule:
- Tai Chi, Zumba and line dancing
- "Watch Your Step," a class aimed at fall prevention and overall fitness
- Cards, bingo, dominoes and billiards
- Classes on history, music, language and healthy living
- Tech skills help
- A free movie with popcorn, with days and times in the newsletter
- Groups you can join, or start yourself
Can the center help with rides, chores and Medicare questions?
| Service | Who it is for | Details | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation | 60 and older | Accessible buses and vans, door to door; book 24 hours ahead | 970-759-6309 |
| Meals on Wheels | 60+, home-bound, needs help with 2 daily activities | Hot meals Monday to Friday, frozen weekend meals, $5 suggested | 970-382-6435 |
| Home chores | 60 and older | Grab bars, minor repairs, yard cleanup, snow removal; $17 an hour suggested | 970-382-6429 |
| Medicare help | Medicare enrollees | Insurance assistance and fraud information | 970-403-6759 |
The county's transportation page says rides go to senior centers, doctors, the pharmacy and the post office. Shopping depends on availability. The Meals on Wheels page sets the delivery zone: Durango city limits, from Bodo Park in the south to Hermosa in the north. The home chore page says the program cannot handle roofs, foundations, major furnace, plumbing or electrical work, or well and septic issues. Free tax help is also offered for people with income under $60,000. Appointments run Mondays and Saturdays from February to mid-April at the Extension Building at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.
Is there a senior center outside Durango?
Bayfield's Pine River Senior Center, at 111 W. South Street, serves meals on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon. Reservations must be made by 9 a.m. at 970-884-5415. The Durango kitchen prepares those meals, so the menus match. The center also needs volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels, staff the front desk and help serve lunch. Contact Kate Garrett at 970-382-6429, or see our answer on where to volunteer in Durango. Thinking about a move here? Our moving guide covers the basics. The answer on public transportation covers the buses.