by Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt

The allure of the water, the promise of relaxation, the joy of fond memories made – these are just some of the reasons Lake Anna attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and why people from around the world often decide to make the region home.

Outside the lake area, however, and under an hour’s drive is the town of Louisa, offering even more opportunities for enjoyment and community connection. Many of these opportunities come through the Betty J. Queen Intergenerational Center, a vibrant hub of activities and services catering to every age group.

An intergenerational center is a community space where people of different ages can participate in programs, fostering meaningful interactions between generations. Nestled at 522 Industrial Drive in Louisa, the Betty J. Queen Intergenerational Center (also known as simply the Betty Queen Center) stands as a beacon of community spirit and collaboration.

The center opened in April 2002 and quickly became a welcoming space born from a vision inspired by Betty Queen herself. After visiting an intergenerational facility in Western Virginia, Queen aspired to create a place that catered to individuals of all ages within Louisa County.

Queen had spent her life advocating for older adults and intergenerational spaces. Born July 13, 1920, she went on to become a bureau chief of Child and Family Services for the Department of Human Resources in Washington, D.C. In Louisa County, Queen helped launch the Trevilians Volunteer Fire Department. She also volunteered at Louisa County Library and served on several boards.

Queen led the charge of building the intergenerational center in the town of Louisa, going so far as founding a nonprofit to raise funds and even investing her own donations. She died on August 7, 2000, but is memorialized in the center’s space along with the stories of each person who benefits from her legacy.

Beyond a Building

The Betty Queen Center is not just a facility; it’s a community cornerstone. Among its many programs, the center hosts the Louisa County Parks and Recreation Office, which manages the center and facilitates activities. The center is also a home base for organizations that help create an inclusive environment where everyone – from infants to seniors – can thrive.

“The Betty J. Queen Intergenerational Center serves as a vibrant hub for the Louisa County community, offering something for everyone, from young children to seniors,” explained James Smith, director of Louisa County Parks, Recreation & Tourism (LCPRT). “This facility is home to Louisa County Parks, Recreation & Tourism, JABA, ARC, and Abundant Love Daycare, creating a dynamic, multi-generational environment.”

When asked to describe the center, Smith said, “Within these walls, you’ll find a little bit of everything – childcare, senior center activities, community events, fitness classes, and sports programs. The center is truly a space where individuals of all ages can connect, engage, and thrive, whether through fitness, social activities, or meaningful community involvement. It’s a place where we actively work toward fostering a strong sense of community, providing opportunities for growth, fun, and lifelong learning.”

Recounting the center’s origins, Smith shared, “There are thousands of people that are positively impacted monthly as a result of the persistence, vision, and faithfulness of Mrs. Betty J. Queen. I am grateful for the opportunity that I have in my role as director to help carry on and fulfill her vision.”

In addition to its recreational and educational programs, the center features a fitness trail that meanders around playgrounds and an aquatic facility. Open seven days a week, this space allows citizens to enhance their workouts with fitness equipment readily available in a dedicated area behind the playground. The selection – which includes an air walker, chest press, and more – encourages users to exercise at their own pace.

For families, the center’s playground is a delightful area for elementary school-aged children. It boasts an array of equipment, including spiral slides, climbing structures, swings and a musical station.

Fathers and Daughters Take the Floor

The Betty Queen Center is well known locally for its activities. Classes include everything from dancing and sewing to painting, CPR, and dog obedience. Sports programs at the center include dodgeball, volleyball, basketball, pickleball, and more. Beyond that, the center is home to a number of traditions that have become favorites expected by the larger community. One prime example is the Father-Daughter Dance, which celebrated its 30-year anniversary this past February.

Among those who have come to love the event are two proud fathers, Daniel Barrett, Louisa County High School Athletic Director, and Lee Downey, Louisa County Public Schools Director of Secondary Education. In an interview shared by LCPRT, these dads reflected on the memories they have made with their daughters over the years and how the dance has strengthened their relationships with their daughters.

From the joy of dressing up together to the moments shared on the dance floor, this annual tradition has had a lasting impact on their families. “We have attended several of these dances, and we’ve all enjoyed it,” Barrett said.

Enriching the Lives of Seniors

JABA is an area agency on aging. Recognizing that everyone is aging and that different wants and needs come with it, JABA aims to provide comprehensive resources and support for seniors and their families. Housed in the Betty Queen Center, JABA offers both the Louisa Community Center and the Louisa Respite and Enrichment Center.

These centers provide a range of activities, healthful lunches, and meaningful connections with peers and other community members. The Louisa Community Center is a place for seniors ages 60 and over to come meet new friends, get involved, learn about community resources, and enjoy day trips. Seniors are given the opportunity to nourish their bodies, minds, and spirits through exercise, music, crafts, movies, games, field trips, and more. Members also have access to all JABA services, including health screenings, information on health issues, and assistance in managing chronic diseases.

 The Louisa Respite and Enrichment Center serves seniors with early-stage dementia and/or disabilities. Here, within the walls of the Betty Queen Center, JABA offers a safe and engaging place for seniors to thrive during the week while caregivers work or attend to other responsibilities. The Louisa Respite and Enrichment Center aims to provide a full day of fun, a caring staff, intergenerational activities, and meals tailored to each individual’s needs.

The New Face of Fun and Games

The Betty Queen Center has the goal of providing fitness and athletic programming for every age group. In meeting the demand for variety, the center has opened its doors to those seeking dodgeball, volleyball, basketball, dance, aerobics, strengthening and more. And now, the growing and popular sport of pickleball has helped to meet this goal even more.

Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. The game is played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes on a court similar to a badminton court. Retired Louisa County teacher, longtime county resident, and pickleball enthusiast Randy Holladay describes the sport as “the love child of ping pong and tennis.”

Holladay plays pickleball four days a week. He explained that the Betty Queen Center has innovatively transformed part of its full basketball court into four pickleball courts. He reported that there are three to four different groupings scheduled. The easiest one for newbies is “Just for Fun.” Some games are for women only. “These are well attended,” he said. There is also Open Play. Some people bring their own teams, but most of the time, players rotate out, fostering what he called “a totally social scene.”

“I’ve made a lot of new friends there by playing pickleball,” reflected Holladay, who has also been working on his health and skills. “While it may not be as cardio-intensive as tennis, the strategy involved makes the game uniquely enjoyable.” For example, he explained, “You only score points when you serve. Some games last five to six minutes, some go 30 minutes, depending on how the teams are matched.”

The pickleball scene at Betty Queen Center appeals to a wide demographic. With sessions tailored for all skill levels, social play, and more competitive games, it is an activity that keeps the community engaged and draws players from throughout the region.

Most of the people who play during the week are retired, Holladay said. “But the weekend draws people from Charlottesville, Goochland, and other places. It’s a really happening scene.”

Room to Grow

Louisa County is the third fastest-growing county in Virginia, according to the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia. It’s a statistic the county is talking about, and it impacts the future of the Betty Queen Center.

“One of my key hopes for the future is the expansion of recreation facilities in our community,” explained Christina Miller, deputy director of LCPRT. “Since the construction of the Betty J. Queen Center, our population has more than doubled, and the demand for recreational activities has grown exponentially. To keep up with that demand, I believe it’s crucial to create more spaces where people can come together, engage in meaningful activities, and build connections.”

On a personal note, she added, “I grew up as a parks and recreation kid, and I can confidently say that those experiences played a significant role in shaping who I am today. Now, as deputy director, I carry that same passion forward, knowing firsthand how Louisa County Parks, Recreation & Tourism can positively influence lives. My goal is always to ensure that this department continues making a lasting, positive impact, just as it did for me and countless others.”

With its mission to enrich the lives of Louisa’s citizens, LCPRT embodies the spirit of community, promoting activities that enhance leisure time and foster connections among residents. The legacy of Betty Queen is a driving force behind that mission.  

“Ultimately,” Miller said, “we are committed to our mission: ‘Building Community, Changing Lives, and Making Memories.’ This is not just a motto for us – it’s the heart of everything we do, and it will continue to guide our work as we move forward.”

Katherine Gotthardt is a Louisa County resident and an award-winning author and poet. Learn more about her at KatherineGotthardt.com.