50 North is announcing the public phase of its capital campaign to expand and renovate its facility on Melrose Avenue in Findlay to serve the growing senior population.

“We have to expand, or limit the offerings we have because right now we’re at 5,000 members and we’re at capacity,” said Executive Director Carolyn Copus.

She says the senior center has already raised $3.5 million in the silent phase of the fundraising campaign and is seeking an additional $2.5 million in the public phase.

Board President John Haywood says Hancock County’s over 50 population will surge to 44 percent in the coming decades.

“Based on the fact that 50 North is seeing a continued growth in our members and the population continues to grow, we’re in need of expanding our facility to handle the additional demand.”

He says the project will increase the size of the facility, in particular, the fitness area where they have the greatest demand.

Haywood says the expansion and renovation will not involve an increase in the levy that supports a big chunk of their operating costs.

Both the expansion and renovation are expected to be completed by July 2021.

Learn more about 50 North here.