About Us – Easton Community Center

Mission Statement:

To enrich the lives of children, teens, and adults in the greater Easton community through creative, high-quality cultural, educational, recreational, and social programs that promote mental and physical well being.

Vision:

A vibrant, inclusive community where individuals of all ages are empowered to grow, connect, and thrive through meaningful experiences and lifelong learning.

About the Center:

In the dawn of the New Year 2003, the collective aspiration of Easton’s residents transformed into a tangible reality with the inauguration of the Easton Community Center on January 12. This monumental achievement marked the culmination of years of dedication, meticulous planning, tireless fundraising efforts, constructive discussions, and successful negotiations. The genesis of the dream dates back to the 1960s when the Larson family, esteemed long-time residents of Easton, identified the pressing need for a space where young individuals could congregate, socialize, and receive appropriate supervision.

The project gained significant traction in 1996 when the Larson family approached Tony Colonnese, then Easton’s First Selectman, proposing the use of an existing facility—the second floor of the old firehouse—as a Teen Center. However, owing to safety concerns, this option was deemed impractical. Undeterred, in 1997, the Larsons generously contributed one million dollars to initiate the construction of an entirely new structure dedicated primarily to the youth of Easton. Tony Colonnese rallied individuals passionate about youth development, leading to the formation of a group tasked with planning and defining the specific uses of the envisioned facility.

Under the leadership of Bruce Dubow, supported by dedicated individuals like Agnes Dubow, Edward Burger, Cyndi Blum, Tony Colonnese, Marty Wolf, and Dorothy Larson, among others, the team was instrumental in propelling the project forward. Their overarching goals included building and operating the facility through private contributions and program income, coupled with a commitment to establishing an endowment for long-term sustainability. The Easton Community Center attained 501C(3) status, providing contributors with gift tax advantages, and the first fundraising appeal was promptly launched.

The Town of Easton allocated a 2.5-acre site adjacent to Veteran’s Field for the construction, with a 100-year lease securing the land. Extensive studies were conducted to identify the specific needs of Easton’s youth, and Friar Associates of Farmington were enlisted as the project’s architects, while Primrose Construction of Bridgeport secured the general contract. The groundbreaking ceremony in September 2001 marked a significant milestone, and amidst the ongoing processes of obtaining town approvals, Board development, and fundraising, the project progressed.

Generous contributions, both in-kind and through personal efforts, kept construction moving forward while mitigating expenses. Connecticut Legislators John McKinney and John Stripp played a crucial role in securing a state grant of $200,000, approved in March 2002. In July 2002, the Board of Directors appointed a facility director to oversee the development of the center and its programs, envisioning it as a positive community asset for Easton.