The City of Thornton has been dedicated to the inclusion of active adults for decades and has proactively worked as a city to increase opportunities for civic engagement, lifelong learning, recreation programming, and providing age-friendly systems, processes, and environments.

Throughout 2018-2020 the city embarked on a Boomer Bond Assessment in conjunction with DRCOG (Denver Regional Council of Governments). This assessment, developed an outline for areas of improvement to better serve our Active Adult population.

Thornton has had a dedicated Active Adult Center for over 40 years, and most recently in 2021 opened a brand-new Active Adult Center to expand services. Additionally, the city created an Active Adult Wing inside of a larger recreation center to offer services and programs in two different areas of town. The city dedicates 10 full-time staff to the Active Adult Division which is responsible for all engagement and enrichment programming for residents 55+ including a daily lunch program that served 24,921 meals in 2023 alone.

The Active Adult Center and Wing offer a variety of programming for people to engage, build relationships and support networks, manage their physical and emotional health, and contribute to the local community.  Programs include culinary, pottery, and ceramics classes, group fitness and dance classes, day trips and international trips, a full fitness center, wellness and nutrition lectures, drop in cards and games, craft groups, technology and Medicare assistance programs, a Wellness Suite providing massage, acupuncture, podiatry and Reiki, and a variety of personal interest programs from gardening to FBI Investigator classes.

The Thornton Police Department also offers a Silver Stars 55+ Citizens Academy; a 6 week program that provides increased understanding of the tasks police officers face in their daily work. In addition, the academy provides education specific to life and health planning as well as tips to avoid falling victim to property crimes. The academy meets once a week for six weeks and is designed to give citizens an overview of the police department’s function and operational procedures.

The city developed the Thornton Active Adult Advisory Board that serves as a liaison to City Council regarding all matters of importance to Active Adults. The board recently developed two sub-committees focused on affordable housing and transportation for active adults. The transportation sub-committee is working alongside City Development as a stakeholder in an 18-month Transit & Mobility Study focused on improving public transportation options for all residents.

In addition, the city reinstated it’s SnowBusters Program in 2022 to serve those 62+ who financially qualify with snow removal services. Our Neighborhood Services division is currently working to develop a LawnBusters program with the same qualifications for free lawn service. The city also dedicates $15,000 each year to a Property Tax Rebate & Grocery Rebate Program for those 62+ who financially qualify.