As the Fishers Community Center prepared for its official opening, one question repeatedly surfaced among prospective users: Will Silver Sneakers memberships be accepted?

Silver Sneakers, a popular insurance-based program that provides free access to participating fitness facilities for eligible seniors, is one of several similar benefits offered through Medicare plans and large employer insurance programs.

Fishers officials now have a clear answer. Following action Tuesday morning by the Board of Public Works and Safety, the Community Center has been granted the authority to accept Silver Sneakers and comparable programs, allowing qualifying residents to receive free memberships.

“This is an opportunity particularly for seniors…to get a free membership to the Community Center and access all the health and wellness opportunities and social opportunities we have there,” said Jake Reardon-McSoley, the city’s director of Recreation and Wellness.

Reardon-McSoley told the board the city has negotiated reimbursement agreements with three companies that collectively “cover every potential large insurance-based membership on the market.”

Mayor Scott Fadness said demand for such programs has been strong from the start. “I think the number one question we receive at the Community Center, at least our membership people, has been ‘Are we going to have any of these programs available?’”

The city expects it will take time to complete the needed technology upgrades and staff training before the programs are fully implemented. Reardon-McSoley said he is confident the center will be ready to roll out the insurance-based memberships by January 1, 2026.