Starting in the fall of 2023, the EH Recreation Department opened a new Teen Youth Center at Hays School. The former school is located at 1 Maple Street, in East Haven, and has been used as a recreation center for a series of activities and programs. The Teen Youth Center was created for young students interested in hanging out with, making, and communicating with new friends their age from around town. The center is free for all 6th to 8th graders on different days each week. They advertise different activities each week on their Facebook page. Some of the activities include ping pong, a gaming center, movies, coloring, pool table, foosball, board games, and more.
As of right now, the activities are all free and Recreation Program Coordinator, Andrew Kenney hopes to keep the program free for as long as possible while continuing to grow. The Recreation Department secured a grant to pay for the building space and time. The supplies, so far, were donated.
Kenney explained they are hoping to create a care closet where participants can pick up necessities and school supplies. They are currently looking for donations. They are also looking for volunteers to work. Anyone interested can volunteer for community service hours. 