ST PAUL — The sudden announcement that a center for the elderly in St. Paul’s downtown skyway is closing has disappointed those who frequented the place.

City Passport, which was jointly operated by the city of St. Paul and HealthEast Care System, has existed in some form for 27 years, offering programs, including games, trips, safety classes, health screenings and medical insurance assistance. It’s located in the Alliance Bank Center.

City Passport was to shut down Friday because it isn’t economically sustainable and not enough people use it. About 250 people used the center from last fall through the end of summer 2016.

HealthEast spokeswoman Diane Rose says the resources can be used more effectively to help more people. St. Paul contributes $25,000 yearly and one staff member to the center.

Jane Rauschnot meets her group of peers every Wednesday and Friday afternoon for a friendly game of poker at the center. Rauschnot says a lot of the people that go to the center are retired and it gives them something to do.

“Now they’re taking it away from us, and it hurts,” Rauschnot said.

Maria Mai of St. Paul said the skyway center is very convenient, especially in winter because people can walk inside.

HealthEast and the city of St. Paul are researching new ways to partner and create programs that serve elderly adults.