Older residents who visit the Senior Center in Dawson County can now travel between the first and second floors with ease and comfort, thanks to the addition of an elevator.

A dedication ceremony was held for the new installment on Dec. 27, and Senior Center Director Margie Weaver beamed from ear to ear.

People can take advantage of the different things we have downstairs, she said. Now they can go down when theyre having painting classes and different exercise classes.

Before the elevator was installed, some visitors had to be driven around to the back of the building to take part in some activities, while others were unable to participate at all.

Weve got seniors that attend the center every day that have not been able to get downstairs due to lack of access, said County Manager Kevin Tanner.

Thanks to fundraisers and other private donations in the community over the past two years, Tanner said, more than $40,000 was raised for the project. It was a true partnership with a lot of members of our community that care about the senior population, he said.

Jewel Reeves, Senior Center visitor, rode the elevator for the first time Dec. 28. I usually exercise down here, she said, noting the convenience of the elevator in going back and forth between floors.

Its something that Margie Weaver has wanted for many years and its been a need for the seniors for a long time, Tanner said.