220 S. 5th Avenue • Tucson AZ 85701
(520) 791-4865
Center Hours
Monday-Wednesday: 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Closed Sundays and Holidays
Center Supervisor: Donna Trujillo - TPRD-Armory@tucsonaz.gov 
A Premier Vital Aging Center Committed to Excellence
The Armory Park Center is located in Armory Park.
| Amenities | Senior Activity Card | Weight Room Orientation Classes |
| Center History | Schedule of Activities | External Agencies' Services |
| Club #1 | Volunteers |
Armory Center is a vital aging center that enhances the quality of life for people ages 50+ years by providing socialization, recreation, education, information, nutrition, social services, and support. We include adults in programming decisions in a clean, safe, pleasing, and inclusive environment.
Se habla Español.
Amenities
| Indoor | Outdoor |
|---|---|
| 3 Meeting rooms | Bocce courts |
| Multi-purpose room | Horseshoes |
| Ballroom | Outdoor performance area |
| Billards room | Outdoor restrooms |
| Dining room | Picnic tables |
| Fitness room | Shuffleboard |
| Gift shop |
Silver Threads Newsletter
Pick-up a copy of our monthly Silver Threads Newsletter at the front desk. We have something for everyone!
Senior Activity Card (Ages 50+)
The Senior Activity Card is required to participate in Senior programs, services, and activities and is accepted at all Centers which offer Senior programming.
Annual Senior Activity Card (Expires one year from date of issue)
- $25 for City Residents
- $30 for Non-City Residents
Card privileges include use of the facility and its programming.
Please see the Senior Programs website for more information on the Senior Activity Card and Senior Programs.
Weight Room Orientation Classes
- Wednesday, 4 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. (Sign-up begins 15 minutes in advance; space is limited)
- Participants must complete an orientation class, before using fitness room equipment
Schedule of Activities
No cost with Senior Activity Card, unless otherwise noted.
Health, Wellness, and Fitness |
|
|---|---|
| Chair Yoga Monday: 1:15-2 p.m. Wednesday and Friday: 11 a.m.-Noon |
Fitness Class Monday and Thursday: 9:30-10 a.m. |
| Vital Aging Chair Exercise Tuesday: 10:15-10:45 a.m. |
Vital Aging Tap Dance Friday: 10:30 a.m.-Noon |
| Vital Aging Table Tennis, Match Play Monday, Thursday, and Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
Health Clinic 1st Wednesday of the month: 2:30-5 p.m. Sponsored by Pima County Health Department and Pima Council on Aging |
| Zumba® Gold Express taught by Ernie Perez Monday and Friday: 12:15-1 p.m. Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a dynamic fitness program. $1 suggested donation/class, walk-ins welcome |
Vital Aging Table Tennis Wednesday: 5-7:30 p.m. |
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T'ai Chi |
Zumba® Toning Monday: 6-7:15 p.m. $3 suggested donation/class, walk-ins welcome |
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Qi Gong
Monday: 9:15 a.m.
Wednesday and Friday: 9:30 a.m.
This quick 15-minute workout is designed to enhance strength and flexibility in a nonstrenuous and relaxing environment.
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Meditation Class
Thursday: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join us for a new class designed to help people focus and relax.
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Natural Grocers
Thursday: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Learn new and delicious healthy recipes and good eating habits. Classes are held every 3 months so call for specific dates and topics.
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Games |
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|---|---|
| Pool & Billiards Daily 3 regulation pool tables and one billiard table |
BINGO Tuesday: Noon-1:15 p.m. |
| Party Bridge Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday: Noon-3 p.m. |
Loteria Wednesday: 11 a.m.-Noon |
Dancing |
|
|---|---|
| Beginning Line Dancing Friday: 1-2 p.m. |
Intermediate Line Dancing Friday: 2-3 p.m. |
| Advanced Line Dancing Friday: 3-4 p.m. |
Saturday Afternoon Ballroom Dancing Saturday: 1:30- 3:30 p.m. Cost: $2 and Senior Activity Card required. |
| U.S. Amateur Ballroom Dancing 3rd Saturday of the month Lesson: 7:30-8 p.m. Dance: 8-10:30 p.m. $3 for Armory Park Center members. (Senior Activity Card for discount) |
Lindy Hop/Swing Dancing |
Hobbies/Interests/Crafts |
|
|---|---|
| Caring and Sharing Thursday 10–11 a.m. Sit and share stories and experiences. Coffee and refreshments will be served. |
Card Making Class 2nd Friday of each month: 10:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. |
| Loom Class 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month: 12:30–2 p.m. |
Golden Needles Tuesday-Friday: 9 a.m.– 1 p.m. |
| Swap Meet 2nd Tuesday 9 a.m.–noon Bring in your items or shop for that hidden treasure. Sponsored by Club #1 |
Ceramics Monday 1 –3 p.m. See Class Catalog for dates and fees |
| Ukulele Class with Carol Humphrey Tuesday 2– 3 p.m. |
Art with Art Friday: 10-11:30 a.m. |
| Coloring for Fun Tuesday: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday: noon-1:30 p.m. |
Fashion Design 101 Friday: Noon-1:30 p.m. |
Education |
|
|---|---|
| Beginning Sign Language classes Friday: 10-11 a.m. |
Computer Fundamentals Wednesday: 9:30-10:30 a.m. |
| Intermediate Sign Language classes Wednesday: 10-11 a.m. |
Beginning Spanish classes Friday 12:30 pm-1:30 p.m. |
External Agencies' Services
| Telephone Assistance Pilot Program Help with filling out an application Call 791-4865 for appointment Benefit of Membership |
Notary Public Tuesday and Thursday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 791-4865 for appointment No Cost with Senior Activity Card |
| Tucson Community Food Bank Food Distribution 4th Wednesday of each month: 10 a.m.-noon Open to the public. |
AARP Income Tax Assistance
February 6 - April 11
Tuesday & Wednesday
8:30 a.m. - noon
Open to the public.
|
| Al-Anon Wednesday: 10-11 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. |
Armory Park Health Fair 2nd Thursday of October Open to the public. Call 520-791-4865 for more information. |
| NA Tuesday: 6-7 p.m. Open to the public. |
Pima County Library Bookbike 4th Wednesday of each month: 9 – 10 a.m. Free books and reading glasses offered during this program Open to the public. |
| Attorney General's Office 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month: 1:30-3 p.m. |
PCOA Elder Rights and Benefits Wednesday: 1:30-5 p.m. |
Senior Socialization and Nutrition Program
Healthy Dinner!
Monday through Friday 3 - 4 pm
$2 suggested donation for seniors 60 years of age or older. *No Cost for Senior Activity Card holders if only attending this program.
$8 for seniors 50-59 years of age.
A daily nutritionally balanced meal is offered while encouraging social interactions with others. The Meal program provides eligible adults with a variety of foods from the basic food groups, leading to an overall healthier diet. Funded by: City of Tucson, Pima Council on Aging, DES, Aging and Adult Administration.
Transportation
Members who are registered for the meal program (60+) and live in the 85701 zipcode can get a ride to and from the Center for meals and participation in socialization. Call Ramona 791-4865 a day in advance to arrange a ride. $1 suggested donation. Funded by: CityofTucson, Pima Council on Aging, DES, Aging and Adult Administration.
Special Events
Birthday Party for Armory Members
Last Friday of the Month: 1 p.m.
No Cost with Senior Activity Card.
Theme Parties
Planned at least once a month by Armory staff.
Call 791-4865 for more information.
Trips
Planned at least once a month by staff.
Call 791-4865 for more information.
Club #1
Club #1 Membership Meetings
Meetings every 3rd Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m. All Members are encouraged to attend.
Club #1 is an integral part of Armory Park Center. They enhance programming through fundraising and play a role in the decision processes and assist in program funding. Elections for the Club Board are held annually. There are ample opportunities ranging from President to Members at Large!
Club #1 was organized in December 1959. The First Officers were elected in February 1960, and the first meeting place was at the Service Man’s Center downtown. The first programs included card games, dancing and other social events with lunch and coffee. The crafters enjoyed braiding bolo ties, leather tooling, simple jewelry, art, and fancy needlework. The first year started with pot luck lunches, which drew more people and additional members. The City of Tucson financed the first expenses until additional monies were needed; these were raised with pie socials and bazaars.
By the end of 1960, Club #1 boasted membership of more than 200; the “Senior Citizens of America” granted the charter in March 1962. By 1963, the Club had temporarily moved to Randolph Old Club House while their home facility was being refurbished. March 1963 saw the dedication of the newly remodeled Club #1 Clubhouse.
In 1973, the Club’s membership grew so much that the Clubhouse was determined to be too small. In response to a petition for a larger meeting facility, the Clubhouse was inspected in 1974 and determined to be in poor condition. On Dec. 16, 1974, the City of Tucson decided to demolish the old building. An architect was contracted to design a new building with at least 20,000 square feet of floor space for the same site and at a cost of $63,700.
March 1975 a tree was planted by the Soldier’s Monument to commemorate the new plan. On May 15, 1975, the Mayor and Council approved the new plans for the demolition of the old building and the construction of the new one. A Farewell Dance was held August 1, 1975, in the old building. Four days later, Club #1 programs were moved to the Scottish Rite Temple until the new building was complete.
The construction of the new building was completed December of 1976 at a final cost of $897,033. Jan. 12, 1977, the Grand Opening Ceremonies of the new Armory Center were held, and Club #1 moved to its new home.
Our Volunteers
Armory Center would not be if it weren’t for the help and support from our community and volunteers. If you would like to Volunteer at Armory Center call us at 520-791-4865 for more information.
Our History
Original Armory Building
As Arizona became the Union’s 48th state on Feb. 14, 1912, Tucsonans were considering the construction of an armory. At that time, the Arizona National Guard was bivouacked at Military Plaza in today’s downtown Tucson, where they maintained a small facility for rifle practice.
A contemporary Arizona Daily Star Editorial documented the discussion, stating that the Armory (and a Convention Center) would bring more money into town and make Tucson life more pleasant. That article fueled the drive for the construction of an Armory.
In Nov. 1913, the land between 12th and 13th Streets fronting 6th Avenue was deeded by the City of Tucson for use by the National Guard. By September 1914, the Armory building was completed at a final cost of $28,000 and seating for 2,200 people. According to official records, the City of Tucson paid for half the building costs, which were very low for that time, the surrounding buildings having allotted costs ranging from $40,000 to $125,000.
The first National Guard units to occupy the new Armory were Headquarters Co., E Co., and a medical attachment, all under the command of the Adjutant General, Lieutenant Colonel Charles W. Harris. Many prominent Arizonans also assigned to the Armory included Millard G. Seeley, Dr. Early B. Turnage, and Colonel A. M. Tuthill.
During World Wars I and II, Armory was the site of military operations as well as numerous civilian activities, including political rallies, USO Shows, and University of Arizona basketball games. After World War II, the Armory Building was deemed inadequate for the National Guard, and the Guard moved to Randolph Park. The Armory Building was condemned and set to be demolished. Returned to the City of Tucson in early 1963 for the price of $1, it was remodeled re-christened as the Senior Center along with the other park facilities in the Military Plaza. In March 1963, the newly remodeled building was dedicated as the new Club #1 Clubhouse.