New fees to start on Oct. 1 at Madison Senior Center
MADISON – For 40-plus years, Madison Senior Center has offered most of its diverse slate of activities at no charge to center members. However, a new fee schedule will apply on Oct. 1, 2026.
Madison City Council approved the new fees on Aug. 10 to confirm that high-quality activities and experiences will continue for the senior center. “Madison Senior Center has been a home away from home — a place where friendships grow, creativity thrives, and our community stays active together,” according to Facebook/Madison City Senior Center.
“Rising costs for studio materials, supplies and shipping over time mean that introducing modest fees for certain programs is necessary to maintain the quality and variety of our offerings,” according to Facebook.
“Our promise to you: We are doing everything we can to keep fees affordable. We will also continue offering plenty of FREE programs and daily activities so our doors remain open and welcoming to everyone.”
To view the fee schedule, visit https://www.madisonal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/20326.
“Thank you so much for your understanding, your patience and your continued support. You are what makes the Madison Senior Center so special, and we look forward to continuing to live well, stay active, and have fun together!” according to Facebook/Madison City Senior Center.
Senior center staff prioritizes care and dedication for the senior community. “We are doing our absolute best to keep all classes and membership fees as affordable as possible. We are keeping many of our programs and activities at no cost,” according to Facebook posts.
Lower rates for Madison residents are built into the schedule. Note: Currently (until Oct. 1), the following activities are free to members; the following list shows new fees for residents and for people who don’t live in Madison as of Oct. 1:
* Fitness Center membership — $5 per month for residents; $10 per month for non-residents.
* Billiards membership — Free for residents; $10 per month for non-residents.
* Ceramics – Refer to revitalized program proposal for ceramics.
* Pottery Wheel — $35 to $250 for residents; $75 to $350 for non-residents.
* Hand-Building Clay — $30 to $200 for residents; $60 to $300 for non-residents.
* Open Studio Membership — $50 to $150 monthly for residents; $75 to $200 monthly for non-residents.
* Stained Glass Class — $75 to $200 for residents; $100 to $300 for non-residents.
* Single Workshops — $10 to $75 for residents; $20 to $100 for non-residents.
* All class and workshop fees are based on the instructor/artist, instruction and materials or tools needed for that class. Class cost is determined by direct class costs plus 10 percent.
Senior center staff asks for members to have patience as everyone adjusts to these changes. For more information, email SeniorCenterInfo@madisonal.gov.
