Mary Ellen Estes Senior Community Center

Our mission is to enrich the lives of area residents aged 55 and older through onsite and offsite programs and services operated by our employees, volunteers, and contractors through the Mary Ellen Estes Senior Community Center at Heardmont Park. Our Senior Community Center will be inclusive of all diverse groups and their changing needs, respecting the rights, feelings, and concerns of others while ensuring a safe environment.

The Mary Ellen Estes Senior Community Center at Heardmont Park opened in September 2000. The Senior Community Center was named for Mrs. Mary Ellen Estes, wife of Mr. James Estes. Mr. James Estes and the Estes family provided a founding financial gift to the capital campaign for the construction of a senior center at the new Shelby County public park. The Estes’ personal investment, along with the project private donations made possible through actions by the family, enabled the senior center to be built as part of the initial public facilities at Heardmont Park.  Mr. James and Mary Ellen Estes were lifelong advocates and benefactors for senior services throughout Alabama.  The Mary Ellen Estes Senior Community Center was a project to continue their legacy and commitment to seniors following their retirement from the nursing home industry. The Estes’ home was located in Shelby County and convenient to the park.

The construction of the Senior Community Center also received financial support from public sector entities: Shelby County Commission, Shelby County Community Health Foundation, State of Alabama, Shelby County Park and Recreation Authority and the Summit Foundation. 

The Shelby County Park and Recreation Authority (SCPARA) has operated the Senior Center since its opening in 2000. The SCPARA operating divisions cover  

Senior Services and Park & Recreation Construction or Maintenance Services.