“You’re going to be excited; I was,” said Community Center Director Matthew Ariniello. He was referring to his most recent visit to the ongoing Newtown Community and Senior Center construction in Fairfield Hills.

Crossing the lot gouged with heavy machinery tread, he entered an enclosed space where portions of walls — which will eventually support a brick façade — now stand. Above them is the beginning of a roof. Toward the back of the building is the aquatic center that will house the pool area.

Stepping through the main entry and pointing to where a front counter might be, Mr Ariniello said, “Things are moving quickly.” Work is “on target” for framing and roofing. He noted men on scaffolding who were insulating areas around window and door frames.

Brick and mortar for the building’s exterior are coming shortly, he said. “By the end of November, we want to be fully enclosed,” so interior work can take place.

In recent weeks, he said, “We have been trying to educate the community about this,” explaining that the Community Center Committee members have been out at events “trying to show off what’s happening,” Mr Ariniello said.

He also has invited residents on Wednesday mornings, at 8:30 am, through the month of October, to walk around the center and view work from outside the gate. “We walk the perimeter,” as he answers questions, he explained. Guests have asked about programming, and “active older adults are paying attention and looking for expanded programming,” Mr Ariniello said. The walks with the public help “bring reality” to the project.

The programming subcommittee will start planning for the core amenities and aquatic and will build out, he said. Rental structures, pricing, etc. are developing. The target open date is June 2019.

Residents interested in seeing the new facility have several remaining opportunities in October to join Mr Ariniello on a walk to learn more about the community center and senior center. Discussion will include construction, programming, and membership. Remaining walks are Wednesdays, October 17 and 24, at 8:30 am, beginning at the community center site on Simpson Street, across from Newtown Municipal Center.

Register through e-mail at [naviga:u]matt.ariniello@newtown-ct.gov[/naviga:u].

The new 45,860-square-foot building will include separate community center and senior center areas.

The community center’s facilities, totaling approximately 35,210 square feet, will include an arts and crafts room; six multipurpose activity rooms to accommodate activities ranging from music to group gatherings; a commercial kitchen; an approximately 5,000-square-foot banquet room; a six-lane, 25-yard pool; a zero-entry activity pool; and outdoor connections to the surrounding area of the Fairfield Hills campus.

The separate senior center of 9,450 square feet will cater to seniors’ programs and activities and strive to enhance and expand the current program offerings.

The project is funded through a 2013 gift from GE of $15 million for the development, construction, and operation of a community center. From GE is $10 million to design and build and another $5 million to underwrite at least five years of operating expenses.

The town is bonding an additional $5 million approved in the year’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to supplement the initial $10 million capital gift. Another $3 million of CIP money is funding the senior center.