History of Canton Woods

The original Canton Woods building was constructed as a medical center in 1968 in an effort to attract physicians to the village. Unfortunately, after a few years, they departed and the building stood empty. In 1978, The Senior Club purchased the building aided by funding from the Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth.

Unique in its original concept, Canton Woods Senior Center is one of the few rural Senior Centers where responsibility is shared by three municipalities. It is a fine example of inter-municipal cooperation. The property is owned by the Village of Baldwinsville, with fiscal responsibility shared by the Village, and the Towns of Lysander and Van Buren.

Between 1979 and 1980, the building underwent two major renovations. This included the addition of a large dining and kitchen area. Again in 1989, the dining area was doubled in size and the office space was moved to the center of the building. The recreation area was also increased in size.

Two full and three part-time staff, and a host of volunteers perform the tasks needed to keep the center operating smoothly.

Canton Woods Senior Center is incorporated under the laws of New York State and operated as a private, not-for profit organization by its community Board of Directors.

All seniors are invited to participate in the Senior Activity Group, which elects officers each June and has a business meeting the first Friday of the month at 11:30 am, following the Canton Woods Board of Directors meeting on the first Thursday.