VALPARAISO | The Banta Activity Center has a new name. Now called The Village Park Enrichment Center at Banta, it will offer the same activities.

VALPARAISO | The Banta Activity Center has a new name. Now called The Village Park Enrichment Center at Banta, it will offer the same activities.

Paula Nicholson, coordinator for the center, said this name change is part of the new concept of the ElderStyle community. The city of Valparaiso has partnered with the Pines Village Retirement Communities Inc. The program is called ElderStyle and is designed to help older adults with the many challenges they will face.

"We are looking at ways to holistically meet the needs of seniors, as far as social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual and vocational, Nicholson said. "We are going to start working on developing a referral network that can communicate with seniors."

Nicholson said some of the programs have been increased and some of the rooms at the center have been updated.

"A fresh new coat of paint goes a long way," said Nicholson.

The Valparaiso Parks Department will maintain the building while the activities will fall under Pines Village.

Tracy Huyvaert, resident services director at Pines Village, said the fitness center has just been renovated at Banta.

"We have added new fitness machines," said Huyvaert. "We love to focus on health and wellness because that is key to successful aging."