The City of Kyle is funding a new building for seniors 

Baylee Green 

Due to the growing population of adults 50 and up the City of Kyle has awarded the Kyle Area Senior Zone (KASZ) $106K for a new senior building.  

 KASZ is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a space for all of Hays County seniors to thrive. The organization meets every Tuesday for lunch, games and other activities. These gatherings are a chance for seniors to socialize, participate in recreational activities and enhance their education. 

 According to the KASZ website, their mission is to, “inform, educate and assist senior citizens on issues and matters that affect their, education, quality of life and general welfare.”  

 “We are working with the city, the county and other non-profits to build a larger multi-use facility for the future,” says Ellen Ermis Director of KASZ Communication. “Kyle has grown so much. In every segment of the population, we need it.” 

 KASZ Vice President, Domingo Castilleja says the need for more space became evident when they had to start turning people away at the luncheons.  

 “The most we can host is about 80 persons and we had up to 100 show up,” says Castilleja. “We had to turn people away and that’s heartbreaking.” 

 KASZ President says the new center will be approximately 38,000 square feet. Their hope is to use this new multi-purpose facility as an opportunity to serve more people and to continue providing a space that promotes social health and assists with general welfare needs of seniors. 

 “It’s going to meet the needs of everybody,” says Castilleja. 

 KASZ Public Relations board member, Nelia Barrera says the senior citizens of today are not like the senior citizens of past years. 

 “They are more active and alive,” says Barrera. “We are not ready to just lay down and watch tv and change channels.” 

 As of right now, there is no indication on where the building will be or when it will be finished. Despite the unknown, Ermis says that everyone has been very supportive of their efforts. Everyone involved is focused and enthusiastic to complete a common goal for the needs of seniors in Hays County. 

 “It’s a great goal they have for themselves,” says City of Kyle Parks and Recreation Manager, Aimee Garcia. “I would encourage anyone to go to their website and see what they are all about and join.” 

 To learn more, visit the Kyle Area Senior Zone Website.